And by "alternative", we mean "X-rated", of course.

Here are our favorite XXX ways to say it straight on Valentine's Day!

ONE WEEK until Valentine's Day! Feel like the walls are closing in and you're coming up short with ideas? Fret not! We've got the lowkey V-Day tips* that go above and beyond the classic traditions that you're used to. 

1. SHE COMES FIRST. 
Yes, when it comes to holding the door open. 
Yes, when it comes to ordering your food at a restaurant. 
Yes, when it comes to basically whatever comes to mind. 
Most importantly, when it comes to actually COMING.* 
That is all. 
​(Shop the ring in the photo here.)

2. Don't ask her what she wants to do for Valentine's Day. Take initiative and find a divey local spot to go to. Google is your friend! Yelp is your friend! -Or- something unconventional, like: 
-Horror movie marathon 
-Brewery tour 
-Spiked root beer floats at home

3. Things to do if you're staying in:
-Take a free Love Languages test! 
-Research your Erotic Blueprint 

4. F%ck flowers! Valentine's Day is all about what's in your heart, not in the gift bag! We are betting that any partner in a relationship would prefer a card with a genuine love note than flowers that don't last. Check out these tips on how to write a non-sappy love letter. 

5. If you DO insist on a gift, give the gift of pleasure. And by that, we mean give her something that she has to open in the bedroom. Our first-time sex toy blog for couples has ideas for every level of experience. 

What should we add to this list? Tell us in the comments!

Valentine's Day is just around the corner, and if you have ANY inclination to introduce a sex toy into the bedroom, NOW IS THE PERFECT OPPORTUNITY.

Sure, you can gift the traditional roses or romantic dinner, but why let the romance stop when you get home? Foreplay actually starts way before you step foot in the bedroom - beginning with mental and emotional stimulation. 

"My partner and I want to try BDSM, but we don't know where to start." 


If we had a dollar for every time we've heard that at events....

...we'd probably have around $150, plus or minus.

Anyways, being a bondage/kink beginner may seem intimidating, but it's really not! It's really just determining what you're into, mutually agreeing on how it's gonna go down, and then following a recipe from start to finish. No whips and chains required!

​(It's cool- you can get creative and more spontaneous once you've learned the ropes...pun intended.)

It's true, relationships take work - from communication to keeping the intimacy aflame. In fact, those are the two most common hiccups that couples encounter, especially after the 'honeymoon' phase is over. 

Not to worry! We've broken down some potential roadblocks that often occur between romantic partners, with a few quick tips to help you navigate in the moment, and in the long-term.