Male Take: Best Valentine's Day Idea For Couples
Want a Valentine's Day you'll both love? Here's an idea for him AND you.
For many men, Valentine's Day is an absolute nightmare. This should come as no surprise. There's a lot of pressure for us to do things we typically aren't that good at: being sweet and thoughtful, acting lovey-dovey, and making it seem like we're sensitive. Many of us resent that it's a trumped-up holiday, and that restaurants and florists jack up their prices since they know they've got us over a barrel. Plus we're always hearing about some other guy who took his girlfriend horseback riding on the beach in Aruba, so we always feel crappy if we're the Average Joe who only brought home a last-minute box of bon bons. The Busy Person's Guide To Romance
But, like most things in life, Valentine's Day can have some good among all the crud. You just have to go about it right.
For men, it's really just about understanding that women are going to compare notes with each other on what their boyfriends and husbands did for V-Day, so it's a great opportunity for us to make our gals feel extra special and cash in on all the brownie points—if you're the kind of guy who's good at that kind of thing (hint: horseback riding in Aruba).
But say you're one of those women who isn't attached to Mr. Symbolism (and we might talk about that next week); what can you do to help him give you a Valentine's Day you can brag about?
In my view, women should start by preemptively undoing the pressure of Valentine's Day; take the day itself and how much it might mean to you off the table and instead give it a completely different angle. Don't hope that he takes you to the fancy French restaurant that filled all its February 14th reservations in mid-January. Instead, tell him you already have a plan: You want to go there on the thirteenth and, on the fourteenth proper, you're going to stay home, order pizza and watch the Godfather series—or whatever your man would love (and that you wouldn't mind). 16 Valentine's Day Gifts For Guys
Discussion
We should all do what we can to relieve the pressure of such a holiday --- we should seek to understand what is the best way to honor the relationship and pay attention to it -- which is not about money and fancy restaurants!
The upcoming romantic Valentines Day is becoming more and more stressful to some people. As the big day approaches, the stress level in the male population is beginning to reach epic proportions. There's a lot of pressure on men to get the perfect present on Valentine's Day. But sometimes, even Mr. Right can go wrong. My partner and I celebrate this simple. But, we'll bring the big bags during summer time Bonnaroo 2010. For us, what is important are time, presence and the love for each other.
Trying to come up with an idea a little different from what everyone else will be doing is a good plan, too. It doesn't have to be as fancy as horses in Aruba.
Another radical thought - make the plan together and choose something you both want to do.
