Couples giddy with love will soon be rummaging through the closet for outdated red and white outfits, ordering diabolically delicious chocolate treats and flowers, and unwrapping lace for the evening afterglow. Valentine's Day is one week away and Cupid is busy tipping his arrows.

While some guys plan to rock to Bob Marley's Turn Your Lights Down Low, belt out Brian McKnight's Love of My Life or simply play Barry White's My First, My Last, My Everything, others are preparing to pledge their heart to The One.

The ring is ready, but is the method behind this locura de amor perfect?

To all those of the Y-chromosome club, if you've decided to ask her to marry you, leave the corn in the cornfield. Be sensitive, romantic and suave. Remember, this might be your best chance to pop the question, so don't botch your entry.

If any of the lead-ups you have planned are listed below, that's a loud and resounding NO. Revamp those proposal plans.

1 Via any telecommunication medium. It's tacky! So phone calls, texts, emails, instant messages are red-flagged for this special event.

2 Immediately after sex. It will be read as more rushed than romantic. You're both obviously still recovering from a passionate roll in the sack and a lot of stuff that you don't mean might be said at that point!

3 Matter-of-factly. Flippantly asking, "Wanna get hitched?" or saying, "Here, try this on" just won't do in the 21st century!

4 By handing or throwing her the ring box, then expecting her to open it and place it on her own finger. That's a no-go, bro. Get some class or enrol in one!

5 By hiding the ring in her food! This is not cute and can actually be a health risk! A chipped-tooth smile or having your girlfriend choking on the stone could ruin this moment of a lifetime.

6 Via your sister, cousin, brother, best friend, etc. She might just think you're not man enough for her to marry you! A cute message tied around the wrist of your baby niece with instructions to meet you somewhere might be more acceptable.

7 When alcohol is your master, your approach (and breath) will not encourage a yes. And you might regret it in the morning. Talk about a lifelong hangover.

8 Publicly, unless you're very sure the answer will be yes. Know your partner and act accordingly. The pressure factor can make some persons edgy and negative. Think about the embarrassment that will follow if the answer is no.

9 With a whole lot of humour and little sincerity. There are better ways to lighten the moment than laughing boisterously like a crazed hyena.

10 If you don't mean it, don't propose. Avoid trivialising an important milestone and leave a bitter taste in many a mouth.

shaunette.jones@gleanerjm.com

Find more great advice in Monday's Flair or Tuesday's Youthlink.