Cici Coleman, the host of Channel 4’s First Dates, has seen her fair share of dates, having served hundreds of couples seeking for love at the show’s famed restaurant.
This Valentine’s Day will be no exception, with the 36-year-old putting the newly singletons hoping to be struck by cupid’s bow at ease for the reality show’s extra romantic special.
Cici discussed her February 14 dos and don’ts ahead of the show on Tuesday, admitting that if she’s in a relationship, she has ‘high expectations’ for the big day.
‘I love love,’ she explained. ‘And I’m such melt with all of it. There are so many pros and cons to Valentine’s Day because it’s like, why should you show love on one day, but I am a bit of a romantic.
‘I think it’s lovely, even if it’s just it’s a made-up day or whatever, to just share a little bit more because sometimes we forget to say “I love you” and to show someone how much we care.’
Cici’s top Valentine’s Day suggestions range from home-cooked dinners to avoiding going overboard.
Sometimes, keeping it simple is best
‘If you’ve just met, I don’t think a massive gesture is the way forward.
‘For a newer relationship, there’s nothing wrong with just having a meal, whether that’s indoors or outdoors.
‘It can be really romantic just cooking dinner and asking your partner what their favorite dish is. That’s such a nice thing to do.’
But there’s also nothing wrong with a weekend away
‘If you know your partner and your partner likes being whisked away for the weekend and whatnot, then do those things.
‘Personally, I would Iove – if it was someone I was into- to go somewhere even if it’s to Brighton or somewhere on the coast just to get out of London.
‘It’s an experience to remember and it doesn’t need to be major, but something that you do together that you both enjoy. It’s about the memories you make.’
Don’t go overboard with a new relationship
‘Personally, I would hate it if I had just met someone and they flooded my house with flowers on Valentine’s Day.
‘It would make me think, “Oh, he’s a little bit too keen too early.”
‘If we were only three dates in and someone did that, I’d think,” I’d love to love this but it’s just a bit too much too soon.”‘
Listen to your partner
‘Listen to what your partner wants and give them what they want.
‘What to do on Valentine’s Day mainly depends on what your partner enjoys and knowing if they’re a big gesture person or if they prefer the little things in life.’
First Dates: Valentine’s Special is on Channel 4 at 10pm on Tuesday 14 February.