Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. Many couples are planning to spend the romantic day with each other. But, if you don’t have anyone to spend the occasion with, yet are planning to ask someone, this for you. What is the perfect way to ask someone to be your Valentine without the both of you getting all awkward? Here is an opinionated guide on how to ask a person out and all the steps to take.

Firstly, it’s important to know if the person you’re trying to ask already has a Valentine or not. Many people are scared of getting rejected, but it would be even more mortifying if the person that you asked rejected you and told you that they already have a Valentine. That would be two horrible things in a row. It’s also important to note if they are interested enough as well. If your person has been showing small signs that they either don’t want to do anything on Valentine’s Day, maybe they’re too busy, or already have other plans, that’s the telltale sign that maybe that isn’t the right person for you to ask.

Now that all of that is out of the way, now it’s time to know the preferences of your person. Here at school, every student has a different personality and style, so any proposal should match along with that to capture their attention and really get them to say yes. Many proposals, especially ones for homecoming or prom, are usually really flashy. But, before you decide to stop your person in the middle of the hallway with a poster and a gigantic bouquet of roses, make sure your person would be okay with that. Some people are huge fans of crazy and flashy proposals. That’s okay, because some people don’t mind the attention and would love a proposal that is crazy enough to be worth remembering, but it all really depends on the personality and preference of that person. But, some people are more into calm and modest proposals, ones that are not too flashy. If your person is more on the not-too-crazy side, make sure to propose to them in a way that feels private and personal, but make the proposal still worth remembering.

When you decide on how you will ask your person out, make sure to get a nice gift to make it all the more intriguing for your person to say yes. Make sure to find out what kind of candy or chocolate your person likes, so they can know that you really have poured your heart into this for them. Make sure not to make the gift too big though, or else the staff might confiscate it and ruin your special day. Even if the gift isn’t too big, all that really matters at the end of the day is spending your day with this person.

Now, even if you’re scared or nervous, just know that all that really matters is getting to at least experience it and say what you really want to. In the end, high school is not only a place training you for college, but a great place to take risks and reach for potential chances. Happy Valentine’s Day, Lobos! Best of luck to everyone who decides to take the risk and ask that special person out.