946 It's getting harder and harder to find classic 45 RPM records, and it's almost impossible to locate old 78s! Find a local used record shop or call House of Oldies at 212-243-0500, or visit them at 35 Carmine Street in New York City, or visit www.houseofoldies.com.

GIFT IDEAS.

947 A vibrating massager. Be creative when you use it.

948 Buy her an entire outfit. Include: beautiful lingerie, a gorgeous dress, a matching scarf, pin, or necklace, and shoes! Spread 'em out on the bed. Wait for her jaw to drop.

949 Satin sheets.

950 Gentlemen: Approach the subject of lingerie gently.

Your first lingerie present should not be a peek-a-boo bra. (Have a little class, huh?!) You might start by giving her a say in the matter: Attach a one-hundred dollar bill to a lingerie catalog along with a note saying "You choose." Or make a custom "Lingerie Coupon."

How about just paging through some lingerie catalogs together and talking about what each of you likes and dislikes?

Treat her like a queen and she'll treat you like a king.

"When you love someone, all your savedup wishes start coming out."

-Elizabeth Bowen

COUPON IDEAS.

The Saturday Night Date Coupon Where? Wherever you want!

When? You decide.

951 A basic romantic concept: Love Coupons. Here's a twist: Love Coupons made from the little slips of paper from Hershey's Kisses. Each coupon is redeemable for one kiss.

952 Here are some twists on the concept of "Coupons": Coupons made out of your business cards Coupons made on restaurant menus Coupons made on pillow cases Coupons made into bookmarks Coupons inserted into computer documents Coupons made from magazines 953 Another twist on the Love Coupon idea: "Dollar Bill" coupons: Make a simply sketched "one-dollar bill"; put your picture in the center; make a hundred photocopies; cut them out; make a stack. Then give them to your lover, along with a detailed list of various activities and what they'll cost. For example: Dinner out: $5 An expensive dinner out: $15 A movie out: $3 A movie in: $1 Breakfast in Bed Coupon Redeemable on any day of your choosing.

Never expires.

The Ultimate Bubble Bath Coupon Complete with scented bath oils, soft music, champagne & candles.

I'll cook dinner: $12 I'll bring dinner home: $1 One backrub: $4 Going shopping with you: $20 Making love: $1 Making love (when I don't feel like it!): $98 A Romantic Dinner Coupon Gourmet dinner prepared by the coupon issuer. Proper dress required.

HOW TO UNDERSTAND EACH OTHER.

954 There are several systems designed to help you understand yourself and others by utilizing a variety of "personality profile" techniques. Here are some recommended books: The 16 Personality Types: Descriptions for Self-Discovery, by Linda V. Berens & Dario Nardi Soultypes: Matching Your Personality and Spiritual Path, by Sandra Krebs Hirsch & Jane A. G. Kise A Woman's Guide to Personality Types: Enriching Your Family Relationships by Understanding the Four Temperaments, by Donna Partow Also- The Color Code, by Taylor Hartman Who Do you Think You Are? by Keith Harary & Eileen Donahue Robinson 955 Have your handwriting analyzed together. You'll be amazed at what can be "read" in your writing.

956 Ten Quirky Questions to help Couples Get Inside Each Other's Heads (and Hearts) What three nouns best describe you?

What three adjectives best describe you?

If you could save time in a bottle, what would you do with it?

What do you want to be remembered for?

What are your prized possessions?

What did you want to be when you grew up?

Would you rather be rich or famous?

Would you rather live in the far future or the distant past?

If you had one more day to live, how would you spend that day?

If you were going to write a self-help book, what would you title it?

"He who does not understand your silence will probably not understand your words."

-Elbert Hubbard "Life is the first gift, love is the second, and understanding the third."

-Marge Piercy

HOW TO BED & BREAKFAST.

957 It has come to my attention that there are some guys out there who, having made reservations at a romantic bed and breakfast, have arrived there and proceeded to turn on the TV. Or, upon discovering that there is no TV in the room, have called the manager to complain. No, no, no!

Set your TiVo at home before you leave so you won't miss your favorite TV shows.

Hide your watches in a drawer-go all weekend without bothering with the time.

A little "afternoon delight."

Ask your bed and breakfast hosts for suggestions. They always know their communities very well.

Call ahead and make reservations at several recommended local restaurants.

Enjoy a bubble bath or Jacuzzi together.

Bring some inspiring books to read.

958 And here are some specific Bed and Breakfast resource books for you.

No clocks.

No schedules.

No hassles.

No worries.

No interruptions.

No TV.

No mail.

No email.

No phone.

No stress.

No kids.

No pager.

No computer.

No diet.

Tip: Make bed and breakfast reservations for Valentine's Day a year in advance!

Bed & Breakfasts and Country Inns, by Deborah Edwards Sakach. These B&Bs are visited personally and rated by the American Bed & Breakfast Association.

Complete Guide to bed & Breakfasts, Inns & Guesthouses-B&B expert Pamela Lanier's comprehensive guide to over 4,000 of the world's inns. Includes favorite recipes from B&Bs worldwide!

Recommended Romantic Inns, by Julianne Belote. Chosen especially for their romantic qualities, these 140 B&Bs are described in detail by the authors, who have visited every site.

SOUNDTRACK TO A LOVE AFFAIR.

Make custom CDs of romantic background music.

Make CDs of meaningful, romantic songs as gifts for her.

Make CDs of songs that were hits while you were dating.

Make CDs of your partner's favorite songs.

959 Those romantic scenes in the movies wouldn't be nearly as romantic if they didn't enhance them with music. You could take some inspiration from Hollywood and create soundtracks for various romantic activities! I recommend these CDs for these romantic occasions: For a romantic candlelight dinner: Come Away With Me, Norah Jones Picture This, by Jim Brickman Twin Sons of Different Mothers, by Fogelberg & Weisberg For lounging by the fireplace: Touch, by John Klemmer Watermark, by Enya Past Light, by William Ackerman For a drive in the country: Il Bacio, by Paul Ventimiglia Legends, by Eric Tingstad & Nancy Rumbel Crossroads, by Nicholas Gunn For a Sunday afternoon picnic: Picnic Suite, by Jean-Pierre Rampal and Claude Bolling No Name Face, Lifehouse Water Music, by George Frideric Handel For lovemaking (romantic & gentle): Canon in D (The Pachelbel Canon), by Johann Pachelbel Livin' Inside Your Love, by George Benson Winter Into Spring, by George Winston For lovemaking (hot & sexy): Enigma MCMXC a.D., by Enigma 9 Weeks soundtrack Midnight Love, by Marvin Gaye

GUIDELINES FOR A LOVE AFFAIR.