FEBRUARY 4, 2010 ISSUE
Oh No, Valentine’s Day is Coming!
Crucial Answers for Men from an Anonymous Panel of Local Women
The calendar has moved from January to February and it means that men across the High Country have begun to brainstorm. (Or, after their significant other hands them this article, they will.) Valentine’s Day is fast approaching and somewhere Cupid is laughing at us because we don’t know what we’re doing. Yes, there’s also pressure on the ladies out there to make the day romantic, but not much. Guys don’t walk into work on February 15 and discuss the sweet nothings written in the card they were given the night before. With the supposed most romantic day of the year falling on a Sunday, it gives more days for loving gestures or more time to procrastinate, however you look at it. To help the men out, a panel of women was brought together to ask about the proper gifts. Names have been changed to protect the guilty, er, innocent.
Flowers: Delivery is Better
When it comes to flowers, there’s one definite—send them to her office.
“We want to get them in front of a lot of people,” Rachel said.
With this year’s holiday falling on a Sunday, you better get those flowers sent on Thursday and Friday. Local florists have said that those two days will be the busiest, so plan ahead.
Also, don’t be too clichéd when purchasing. Roses are okay, but that’s too easy. Find out her favorite type of flower and go with those. Giving one flower is romantic, too, especially if it’s given along with a cup of coffee in bed. And if you really want to impress her, give her two dozen—one that can stay at work and one for home.
Card: Add Your Personal Touch
The easiest rule on the card is to write something special. Yes, Hallmark writers say plenty, but that doesn’t mean you can add your name and underline the parts of the card that fit your relationship. Our panel said that they want to read something from the heart (and that means your heart, not a movie catchphrase).
The card can be taped to a flower vase or attached to the gift, or you can be more creative.
“Finding it is better than it being handed to me,” Janice said.
You might not even want to buy a card, but you can channel your inner kindergartner and create the card from red construction paper. These cards are saved for years to come in secret drawers and boxes, so make it memorable.
Chocolates: For Your Sweetie’s Sweet Tooth
A heart-shaped box of Whitman’s Favorites is out, at least to most of these panel members. Guys, though, still like giving the gift of chocolates, mainly to help with eating them.
“That’s why guys buy chocolate—to share,” Carol said.
Think of your girl, though, and if she’s counting calories or going to the gym every morning, then chocolates might not be the best gift idea. Instead of a box, go to Kilwin’s in Blowing Rock and get a single truffle or chocolate-covered strawberry to satisfy that sweet craving. Or go in a different direction.
“I’d rather have a bottle of wine,” Mindy said.
Wine and chocolate isn’t a bad combo, either.
Dinner: Reserve a Spot
A holiday on the weekend gives more options for date nights. Friday and Saturday could be possible nights for going out instead of waiting for the evening of Valentine’s Day. If you plan to take your wife, girlfriend or fiancé out for dinner, make sure to get a reservation. No one wants to wait for an hour for a table. You don’t even have to ask where to go.
“You’ve got to step up and pick the location,” Chloe said. But be sure you know what she likes to eat. “Don’t take a vegetarian to a steak house,” Monica said.
Just make sure that she knows there will be a romantic dinner involved, so she can get ready. There are not a lot of opportunities to dress up and go out during the winter and this is a good time to do so.
Poem: Prove Your Love with Rhyming
“Roses are, violets are blue, Happy Valentine’s Day, I love you.” This poem may have worked in seventh grade, but it might be a little cheesy now. Our panel of women wasn’t even sure how they’d react to the gift of a poem. Laughter may ensue after the first reading, but the sentiment is important. During this recession, when money is tight, writing a sweet poem may be the best option for a gift. If poetry isn’t your forte, borrow some stanzas from a Google search or make a mix CD with 10 great love songs.
Gift Ideas—Dos and Don’ts
Some gift ideas will get you loved, others will get you left. Here are some examples.
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