DEAR ABBY: If any of your readers are casting around trying to figure out what to give their sweethearts for Valentine's Day, let me tell you about a surprise that backfired.
I decided to give my boyfriend a special surprise last Valentine's Day. I bought a big red bow, tied it around my waist and prepared to deliver my surprise. I called my Valentine to let him know that I was on my way -- and left my house wearing a coat over nothing but the bow.
When I arrived at his house, I rang the doorbell, and as the door opened, I opened my coat and said, "Happy Valentine's Day."
I found myself face-to-face with MY surprise. He had flown in my parents for a visit! As my boyfriend rolled on the floor with laughter, my dad said, "Surprise!" My mother just stood there in shock.
It's the last time I'll ever try a gift like that. No name, please -- just sign me ... SURPRISED IN SAN DIEGO
DEAR SURPRISED: No wonder red is the color for Valentine's Day. Just be grateful it wasn't HIS parents.