Valentine's Day can be exciting for those in love and for those in brand-new relationships.
I know that you just can't wait to share your excitement through social media and post photos memorializing your romantic rendezvous, but what happens if you're in a brand-new relationship? How do you handle social media and love on February 14th without having a digital disaster?
Here are my dos and don'ts to help you enjoy the day, without becoming unfriended or canceled on in a digital moment.
DO: Send a fun and flirty "Happy Valentine's Day" text to the person you'll be spending the holiday with. It will generate excitement leading up to your date.
DON'T: Keep your phone on the table during the date or check text messages. It sends a message that someone else is more important than you are.
DO: Send a text message inviting them for a SKYPE or FaceTime date if you can't be together or if they live out of town.
DON'T: Post photos of the two of you as a couple on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram unless both of you decide together that you don't mind your extended network to view your whereabouts.
DO: Post a photo of the cute red or pink dress you might be wearing on your date.
DON'T: Tag your new boyfriend on Facebook. Chances are he hasn't told his buddies and work pals about his Valentine's plans.
DO: Post a photo if you've received flowers, a fun gift or of the dessert at dinner. Everyone loves to view the photos and will cheer you on with "likes."
DON'T: Post your Happy Valentine's message on your date's wall. Saying you can't wait until the evening together should remain private. Remember, a simple post may be innocent. However your friends might wonder what kind of wild night the two of you will be having. Or worse yet, his ex-girlfriend might start posting inappropriate comments to ruin your evening.
DO: Send a digital gift, such as his or her favorite band on iTunes, an e-card or a redeemable gift card to a store or restaurant.
DON'T: Send a musical montage of "I Love You" songs if you haven't said those three little words yet.
DO: Ask for permission before you post anything online. Remember you're creating a permanent digital footprint and your status and photos can be shared, even by people you don't know.
DON'T: Change your Facebook relationship status to "In a Relationship" until both of you have had the talk and agree to be on the same digital page.
Do you have any social media rules for Valentine's Day?
Your comments are welcome.
Julie Spira is a leading online dating expert and author of The Perils of Cyber-Dating and The Rules of Netiquette: How to Mind Your Digital Manners. She creates irresistible profiles for singles on the dating scene. For more dating advice follow @JulieSpira on Twitter, and at Facebook.com/CyberDatingExpert and Facebook.com/RulesofNetiquette.