John Gray’s 1992 bestselling book, Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus, was based on the premise that men and women live on different planets when it comes to relationships.

Gray has now published a sequel, Why Mars And Venus Collide, which attempts to show how to improve relationships by understanding how men and women cope with life and stress.

Here are six points from the book on how to make your man a better partner.

1. Trust him
Show a positive belief in his abilities and intentions and he will become a more caring and attentive partner.

2. Acceptance
Don’t try to improve him, accept him as he is. When a man feels accepted it is much easier to listen and give you the understanding you need.

3. Appreciation
When a man feels his efforts are appreciated he is motivated to respect his partner more.

4. Admiration
When a man feels his unique characteristics, like sense of humor and strength, are admired, he will feel secure enough to devote himself to you.

5. Approval
An approving attitude recognizes the good behind what a man does. When he receives approval, it becomes easier for him to accept a woman’s feelings and point of view.

6. Encouragement
A woman’s encouragement gives hope and courage to a man by expressing confidence in his abilities and character. This motivates him to give her the loving reassurance she needs.

You too can bring out your man’s inner Romeo, writes John Gray. Some good pointers for St. Valentine’s Day.

Valentine Gifts to Avoid

1. The Practical Gift - Even if she really needs some practical or household item, don’t do it! A new dishwasher a week after Valentine’s Day will get you a gold star but on Valentine’s Day it will get you a spot in the doghouse.

2. The Sexy Lingerie Gift - She will naturally assume that this is a gift for you or that you think that she’s usually boring and unappealing. There’s also the risk of getting the wrong size. Whether too big or too small, she may feel insulted or hurt and that is definitely not the reaction you want from a present. Too dangerous and can go wrong too easily.

3. Gift Cards - A card says that you couldn’t be bothered to put any thought into your gift. Additionally it gives her nothing to open on the important day. An exception to this rule might be a gift certificate to a spa or salon for a day of pampering, but have a card and a small gift to wrap for her to open.

4. The Panic Gift - This is the one you got on the way home at the local drugstore. It usually includes some wilted flowers without a vase, a generic card with your name scribbled on it and a standard box of chocolates. This says “I remembered at the last minute and didn’t want to get in trouble”.

Valentine Gifts She’ll Love

The best gift to give is one that is meaningful. It doesn’t have to be traditional, although it adds a nice touch to include a bouquet of flowers or even a single rose. Find a gift that says “you’re special” and one that your Valentine will know you put thought into. This could be an elegant pair of diamond earrings or a gold necklace. Buying her something related to her interests and hobbies is also a good idea. Whatever you decide on it should be something that is personal. A blank card that you write an original note expressing your feelings will be more treasured than any mass-produced Hallmark greeting. If you are not confident of your writing ability, find a poem that best describes how you feel and tell her how it reminds you of your love.

The big heart-shaped day is approaching and you still haven’t decied on the perfect gift for your Valentine.

No need to panic, you can still find the gift that says “I love you” even if you don’t have time to search the malls and specialty stores. Here are some ideas for gifts you can order now in time for Valentine’s Day without leaving your chair.

Hershey’s offers a personalized gift that satisfies both the card and the chocolate requirements - and satisfies a sweet tooth as well. Their Perfect Match Chocolate Card let’s you write your own message (up to 24 letters/spaces)and is a solid 2lb of chocolate. Place your order by noon on February 13 for guaranteed Valentine’s Day delivery.

There’s no one who knows your love the way you do, so don’t rely on standard flower arrangements you order by phone. Check out Virtual Flowers for dozens of unique floral arrangements. Imagine her delight when this cuddly plush bear arrives with an armful of lush roses.

Guys, you know she’s expecting flowers, they’re the most traditional gift on Valentine’s Day next to chocolates. You can seek the advice of your florist on the best arrangement or be a little creative in choosing a bouquet.

Long-stemmed red roses are the most traditional Valentine flower, but roses come in many gorgeous shades, each holding special meaning. Check out the meanings of roses and choose a panopoly of colors that stand for all the many facets of your relationship. You can include a card that explains the meaning of each rose and how it applies to your relationship.

Tell her that the red rose symbolizes your passion, yellow is for the underlying friendship that makes your relationship strong, pink is her elegance and grace etc.

Choosing the bouquet to represent what your relationship means to you will say much more to her than if you plunk down some cash for the standard, unimaginative gift.

For the meanings of the variety of roses:
A Rose By Any Other Color