2/1     Would it be appropriate and/or necessary to give a modest gift and
        a greeting card on the St. Valentines day to someone with whom I have
        been on a date only once before?
        \_ How old is the girl? All of my sister's dumb college friends love
           that shit on Valentine's Day, even if it is just after a first
           date, especially if the guy is "hot". I guess a better question is
           how vapid is the girl?
        \_ Where do you want the relationship to go?  If you plan to pursue
           it, then it would be wise to do so.  That said, I'd avoid greeting
           cards for something sensitive like this.  When I say greeting card
           I mean card from Hallmark or similar monolithic card manufacturer
           with prefab pseudo-heartfelt message already written for you.
           Cards with blank interior are better.
        \_ Kind of depends.  Unless you really got the feeling she/he was
           totally into you on the first date, I'd agree with PP, and also
           avoid Valentine's day altogether (why not just a nice blank card
           with a note something like "I enjoyed the date, I'd like to see
           you again"?)  -John
        \_ I would have to say, no. And I think being predictable and doing
           something special only on special days, is not all that special
        \_ What they all said, but with this addendum. Consider going to a
           place that says sells interesting non-Hallmark cards. If you see
           something that stands out, buy it, inscribe it with just your name
           and that you thought of her or some such, and give it to her for the
           next date - whether that is Valentine's Day or not. Every woman I've
           known has appreciated interesting cards picked out for them.
            -- ulysses
           \_ As a guy, I like to receive cards, read them, and then throw
              them away. Yes, Seinfeld addressed this. Women seem to be
              horrified when they find out. WTF do they keep these cards?!
                \_ I keep every card sent to me but I'm a packrat.
        \_ How bout just a simple, single flower?
           \_ I suggest a limp yellow rose!
           \_ Danger, danger Will Robinson.  As the NP suggests, a dozen roses
              is too strong.  The problem is that with a single flower you
              risk looking cheap (and thus, insincere).  If you're going to
              give a single flower, take care to present in a way that shows
              you put some time, thought and effort into it.
        \_ If you've only had one date, obviously you shouldn't go overboard.
           Some PPs seem to be suggesting you just send a card.  While *some*
           women would prefer you don't make a big deal out of Valentine's
           Day, they probably wouldn't be put off by a heartfelt gesture.  On
           the other hand, I'm guessing the other 95% of women DO want to see
           you put in some sort of effort.  She may say she doesn't want
           anything and be secretly dissapointed when you do nothing.  So play
           it safe and do something to show you care.  This early in the
           relationship, a dozen roses would be coming on too strong, but a
           sincere card you wrote and a single red rose would be excellent.