Valentine's Day is a woman's holiday. They get all the flowers and chocolates, they get wined and dined and if they don't, their boyfriends catch hell for it. Perhaps this all has something to do with the old notion that men are hunters and women are gatherers. To put that in context, men hunt for last-second reservations at expensive restaurants and women gather up their gifts of jewellery and roses.

While this may be the status quo, it all seems a little unfair. Valentine's Day is for lovers - plural. Why must men do all the footwork while women only get pampered? Ladies, this year why not try a little gender role reversal? If you really want to make your boyfriend feel special and make Valentine's more than a stressful day with only the participant ribbon of guaranteed sex to ease the pain, try these tips and tricks on the 14th.

Get Pretty

After you've been in a relationship for a few years, you tend to get comfy. You know you love each other, so you tend to let some things slide. More often than not, those things include your general grooming and beautification regimen. On Valentine's Day, go the extra mile to get dressed up and look pretty for your boyfriend, if only for that night. He is breaking his back (or should be) trying to give you a wonderful night, like society tells him he should. So, show him that you appreciate his efforts by wearing a nice dress, getting your hair done and putting on some dangly earrings and make-up. Besides, how often do you get to dress up anyway? You'll love doing it, he'll love seeing it. Win-Win.

Don't Get All Sappy

A lot of people misconstrue making an effort for your partner to mean making a piece-of-crap arts-and-craft gift. They write a poem or make a cardboard tie or a papier-mâché whatever and say, "See. I do love you. My fingers are covered in glue". While the gesture is appreciated and it can be incredibly cute, most guys aren't going to really get that much mileage out of it. Some guys will feel downright embarrassed by your sonnet about his eyes. So, unless you're incredibly creative or a brilliant musician or artist, just tell him in words, or show him how you feel and leave the sparkles and multi-coloured pasta on the shelf.

For His Eyes Only

Alright, it's true. The most important thing for most men on Valentine's Day is making love; let's not kid ourselves. But still, standardised, everyday sex on what is supposed to be the most romantic and passionate day of the year can be, well, a letdown. It's kind of like going out for pizza on your birthday. Everybody likes pizza, but you can't stick candles into the cheese, now, can you? Girlfriends always like to tease their men with the idea of sexy lingerie and revealing outfits in the bedroom. This year, instead of batting the idea around, do it! But don't tell him beforehand. Your boyfriend will certainly remember this Valentine's Day as one of his best if, when the bedroom door shuts, he's got a Victoria's Secret model (or a close facsimile) lying on his bed.

Opposite Day

If lingerie is not your thing, there are other ways to spice up the sex for that special night. Try switching up your style. If you're normally a timid, little doe-eyed fawn in the sack, unleash the beast. Take control on Valentine's Day, be the boss, steer the action, lead the troops ... you get the picture. Vice versa, if you're normally a drill sergeant in bed, try being a little coy; submit to his every whim. More likely, the change of pace will excite your boyfriend and you'll be in for a hell of a show. The only risk you take by playing opposites is you may confuse your automated boyfriend, who has grown accustomed to your mating signals and might have an aneurysm if you deviate from form. Make sure he doesn't think you're turned off, but quite the opposite; and it should be smooth sailing or a rocking boat, depending on which route you're taking.

Whip Up A Pot Of Love

Cook, and do it well. Your boyfriend will adore you. Going out to a restaurant is usually a pleasant experience, but sometimes, let's be honest, it isn't. Bad service, bad food, mix-ups and mishaps can all make a romantic dinner seem like a chore.

As well, if your boyfriend is the kind of guy whose fridge holds beer, salsa and a Brita filter, he probably eats at restaurants every night. It's no longer special for him.

Source: askmen.com.