Problems: Valentine's Day

I've been dating my girlfriend for eight months and this will be our first Valentine's Day together. I want to get a really special and thoughtful gift, that shows I can be romantic and senstitive. However, I'm a bit strapped for cash and all the ideas I keep coming up with are all cliches. Can anybody please help? Mark, 16, Filton

I can only suggest three ways of making your girlfriend happy without having to resort to the old romantic clichés.

1. You could make a chronicle of all the notes and messages you've sent each other during the past year with pictures of those special events between just you and her.

2. Perhaps book a special dinner at a later date. Just because you don't have the money now doesn't mean you can't treat her later.

3. Stick to the old clichés. Just because they're old and predictable doesn't mean they're worth any less. If anything a box of chocolates or a poem proves you're sensitive and do care about her. You could also try being honest about why you couldn't do anything else, she should understand.

Amerika