So today, the 15th, around water coolers, coffee makers and over lunchtime beers guys are comparing what their significant others got them for VDay. They're oooo'ing and awww'ing over new remote controls or the free rounds of golf they were given. They are giving fist bumps for walking in the door to find that reservations were made to their favorite Brewery. You know, the one with a hundred different types of beers and... Wait, yesterday was for the ladies. On a day that is supposed to be for lovers, I’m sorry but it seems very one sided from where I sit. Hmm.
Men often receive balloons, heart shaped cookies or worse yet, stuffed animals! That’s what you like, not me. Next to a bad Christmas gift, the best acting is done by guys who love their new bed hogging stuffed bear or the boxers with the little hearts on them.
“Wow, I’ve *ALWAYS* wanted these!”
Why is that? Andre3000 said it best on the hit Outkast double album Speakerboxx & The Love Below. Happy Valentine's Day is the song and once I heard it I smiled. Finally, someone put the truth on wax about this day. We believe in silky myths rather than love. Everyday loving and not just the one day. Make it an everyday thing. Novel idea. Sadly, it was never released as a single and not a staple on radio station playlists. Yet, I digress…
Instead on this, the day after for lovers, most men are judged upon how they did yesterday. Yep, judged on the actions of one 24 hr period. It's the measuring stick for the rest of the year. F'up by either not acknowledging VDay or purchase a "less than" satisfactory gift(s) and you are in for a long rest of the year. Nevermind the various romantic trips in the past year, the surprise gifts, dinner at your favorite restaurants throughout the year, etc. All that when you “mess up” VDay turns to…ash. Your status goes from keeper to a coulda been in her and her friends’ eyes.
A co-worker commented that anniversaries make far more sense because they are more personal. A holiday that corresponds to a couples' actual special day. I tend to agree. Does it make sense to make such sweeping declarations of love on this day simply Hallmark and FTD convinced you to? I think not.
There is another aspect though, you can't beat the reaction. For all my above hate, I am not a fool. Flowers delivered to work? Check! A sweet card? Check! Her favorite dinner afterwards planned for the 14th? Check, check! The phone call, text or email you receive makes it all worthwhile. The more exotic the bouquet, the longer the appreciation. Hmm, flowers which are different than all her co-workers? SCORE! Smiles for days! Dinner at a restaurant she's been hinting about? SCORE! Mmmm…extra affection for a few days. In the moments after your Valentine's Day gifts are given and accepted, you put aside your disdain in the name of making someone else happy.
In the name of love.
-J
(contrib FL & CW & TJ)
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