It’s Valentine’s Day in McHenry again and you and that special person in your life are going out to celebrate. You might want to clean up the car first. And why not? It’s a special occasion. They’re worth it, aren’t they?

She comes out to the car wearing a pure white Calvin Klein wool blend jacket. A pink cupid hearts silk skirt swishes with each step she takes. She had her hair done special for the occasion and is dressed to the nines. Then she brushes against your car and that beautiful smile turns into a frown.

She’s probably a sweet hearted lady, brushes off the residue of road salt, calcium and dirt. But, if you’ve gone out to make everything ‘just right’ for your special occasion, this is not a good start.

Maybe you’re picking him up for Valentine’s dinner or driving your car as you’re already a couple. Will he slide into the passenger seat to find a mix of hamburger wrappers, cups and other detritus scattered on the passenger seat and floor. Is there something on the seat that will stick to his Ralph Lauren pants?

Valentine’s Day is a special holiday where concern for the comfort and enjoyment of your Valentine is at the core of the occasion. Most of us in McHenry won’t head out to dinner in our work clothes any more than we would take them to a fastfood restaurant.  

Guys will buy flowers and candy. But they won’t bring her a flower that’s half dead or a candy bar from the checkout line at the gas station. They’ll give the purchase of flowers or candy due consideration. And what are they considering? They’re considering how these gifts will make her feel.

And she doesn’t want to pretend she’s happy when he gives her a Snickers bar, though she’d have to be quite an actress to pull that off. She wants him to enjoy the occasion, too.

How you both dress, where you go to eat, the gifts you buy – these are all essential considerations to make the holiday memorable and in a good way. These are touches of detail to consider. Isn’t preparing the car for the event important, too? 

You don’t necessarily have to have the car detailed but a good cleaning is a way to say that you care. And it’s not a bad idea to make sure you’re up on your vehicle’s maintenance, too; you don’t want to breakdown on the road while out on your date. 

Valentine’s Day comes to McHenry only once a year. It only makes sense to ensure you’ll enjoy the holiday.