Since it is Valentine’s day

It is worth linking to this important point.

If it doesn’t hurt, you aren’t signalling.

Which reminds me about the advice we gave about gift picks last year!

In this sense the gift means more than just the sheer value of the present itself – it also provides information and signalling value that is used to shape the relationship for at least the next year.  The significant increase in breakups post-valentine’s day may in fact be a signal that sometimes individuals are not able/willing to do this to a sufficient degree.

So just remember as you pass over your gift today, that it will be seen as a signal of the relative value you place on matters inside your relationship that are not explicitly contracted – and if you get in trouble, I’m sure a good excuse would be to explain how they are misinterpreting this signal …

For me this is still key advice …