With Valentine's Day just around the corner, the anxiety that comes with trying to plan the perfect way to express your love might have started creeping up.

If you've begun to worry about picking the right gift or date, impressing someone new, or doing something totally original, you're not alone.

To help answer some of these questions, we asked a slew of romance lovers for their ideas on a "great date," and then we threw in a few of our own that we think will make for a memorable Valentine's Day.

Nearly all of our idea givers stipulated, however, that they also want their boyfriends to remember flowers.

"After all," one woman said, "It seems silly, but you always feel bad when you don't get them - especially if the girl in the next cubicle does." Staying In:

Want to avoid the crowds and spend the evening alone with your significant other? Then why not stay home and create a romantic scene right in your own living room? Here are a couple ideas:

Have dinner and
go dancing.

Do you remember the meal you had on your first date or the first time you exchanged "I Love Yous?" Why not try to create that dish, and the memories that come with it, by cooking for your date.

While we can't promise it will taste exactly as good, that kind of effort is sure to win you bonus points. Some restaurants, such as Olive Garden, post some recipes on the Internet and if you search online for other recipes, you are likely to find something at least close to the meal you're recreating.

Top it off by setting an elegant table, complete with fancy-folded napkins and pillar candles. After dinner, pop in a CD you made of songs that have special meaning to you as a couple and use the living room as your dance floor.

Picnic and a movie.

Another way to re-create a "first" is by renting the first movie you two saw together. (You could even wrap that up as a gift.) Spread a blanket on your floor and fill a basket with either your sweetie's favorite foods or go for romantic elegance by selecting fine cheeses, crackers and wine.

Going Out:

If you want to go out and do something, why not make it something a little unique? Jazz Brunch.

Maybe going out on Valentine's Day isn't your thing, or, since this year's love holiday falls on Wednesday, maybe you can't get out on the actual day. No problem. Make a before or after Valentine's Day date special by enjoying an elegant brunch while a jazz ensemble entertains.

Colonel Blackinton Inn on North Main Street in Attleboro hosts a jazz set every Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., including Feb. 11 and Feb. 18., and has a tasty brunch menu.

Sky Restaurant on Route 1 in Norwood serves Sunday brunch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with a buffet, at $30 per person, that includes a gourmet omelet station and made-to-order eggs.

Dinner cruise.

What could be more romantic than an evening under the stars, taking in the sights and lights of Boston? Spirit Cruises, which sets sail from the Seaport World Trade Center, is offering Valentine's Day Cruises on Saturdays, Feb. 10 and Feb. 17 and on Feb. 14. For $90 per person, you could enjoy a candlelight table, champagne toast, dinner buffet and dancing to live entertainment. The cruise line also offers several romance packages. Pop outside for a city view, then head back inside where it's warm and cozy. Cruises board each night at 6:30 p.m. and sail from 7-10 p.m. For reservations, call 617-748-1450.

Splurging:

If you want to do it right.....

Spend the night.... anywhere else.

To get some private time with your Valentine, surprise them with a weekend, or even a one-night, getaway, perhaps to Newport, R.I., where wintertime can mean peace, quiet and romance. Many of the historic city's bed & breakfasts, inns and hotels offer special pricing during the winter and Valentine's week packages. The Francis Malbone House on Thames Street, near the harbor, has greatly reduced mid-week February rates that include a gourmet breakfast buffet and afternoon tea.

Details, and other getaway finds can be found by searching on www.gonewport.com.

Top of the Hub.

For those who have the desire to splurge on a four-course, gourmet meal, there's no better place than at the top of the Prudential Building, with panoramic views of Boston.

For Valentine's Day, the restaurant, named one of the most romantic restaurant locations in the world by The Travel Channel, will offer reservation seating from 4-11 p.m., for $250 per couple. (A credit card is required for reservations).

They also will have live music and dancing in the restaurant's lounge, with The Chris Taylor Trio playing from 6-10 p.m.

The menu includes choices for appetizer and entree, with a salad and dessert.

Also elegant during the day, the restaurant is offering its traditional menu for lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

For reservations and a detailed menu, call 617-536-1775.

On a budget:

Want to do something romantic, but maybe don't have the resources to go all-out or even out on the town? Fear not. There are many wallet-friendly things to do in the area. Here are two suggestions:

Movie date.

"When you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with someone, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible." Billy Crystal said it "When Harry Met Sally," the quintessential romantic comedy of the 1980s.

What better movie to watch with your special Valentine than one in which love and laughter prevail over all?

It's playing Wednesday at Cinema World at the Lincoln Mall in Lincoln, R.I. for just $2.50 per person or $5 per couple.

There are also are three show times on Valentine's Day for "Roman Holiday," which stars Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck.

True, going to the movies is something you could do any day of the year, but when else will you get the chance to see these favorites on the big screen?

As a bonus, all ladies will receive free flowers and there are free chocolates for everyone. You also can register for a chance to win a heart- shaped diamond pendant.

For more information, call 401-333-8019

Ice skating.

Want a chance to get your sweetie cuddling up to you for warmth? Why not head down to the Bank of America City Center in Providence for ice skating?

Nighttime skating, from 6-10 p.m., is just $6 for adults, plus $4 for skate rentals. (You'll need a photo ID for this).

Call 401-331-5544 for more information. The skating center, part of the Providence Parks Department, is at Two Kennedy Plaza.

After that, why not impress someone with your consideration by taking them to Fire & Ice at 48 Providence Place (Providence Place Mall). Likely to be a little less crowded than some other city restaurants on Valentine's Day, this fun eatery will give you can opportunity to chat up your date while you select plate fillings from their extensive buffet selection, including pastas, meats, vegetables, seafoods and sauces.

Then you watch together as their chefs stir fry your meal on a giant, circular grill. The $16.95 price is all-you-eat for dinner (4-10 on Valentine's Day); it's $9.95 for lunch (11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.)