Valentine’s Day Advice for Clueless Dudes
Valentine’s Day will be here before you know it; have you picked out the perfect gift for your sweetheart yet?
February 14th, to some, is just a date on the calendar; to us hopeless romantics, it’s a day to celebrate the thing that makes life worth living: L-O-V-E. I have single friends, friends in relationships, even married friends who’d tell you Valentine’s Day is an elaborate pocket-draining ruse perpetuated by greeting card executives, but I’d like to think that deep down, everyone wants a Valentine. After all, who doesn't want to feel loved?
Men, dudes, and boys, take heed: If your special lady says she doesn't want or need a gift this year, she is lying to you. Get her a gift this year. I REPEAT: GET HER A GIFT THIS YEAR. You don’t have to break the bank to buy her the Hope Diamond, but you do need to put a little effort into showing her how much you love and appreciate her.
Here is the secret to a successful Valentine’s Day: THOUGHTFULNESS. I know that sounds as cliché as Cupid, but I mean it. The best gifts are thoughtful gifts. You want to show her that you love her, that she’s always on your mind.
You want your lady to know you planned well in advance. There’s nothing wrong with picking up a box of candy from the drugstore on your way home from work—but you want to let her know that she’s more than an afterthought to you. I’m not saying you have to create a scene worthy of a Nicholas Sparks novel (that’s the dude that wrote The Notebook, dudes), but you do need to show her you stepped up your game this year.
If you want to surprise her, send a bouquet to her office BEFORE Valentine’s Day. Tell her you love her so much you couldn't wait until Valentine’s. You really can’t go wrong with candy and flowers, dudes. I shouldn't have to tell you that. Take her out for dinner (make reservations in advance) or make a special meal for the two of you at home. Buy her a bottle of her favorite perfume or hook her up with a gift card to her favorite salon or spa. You need to let her know that in your world, she is Queen Supreme.
When it comes to V-Day gift-giving, ask yourself this question: What would George Clooney do? George Clooney is arguably the coolest/most suave/baller man on the planet. Follow his (perfectly tailored) lead. Would George Clooney take his girlfriend out to dinner? Yes. Would George Clooney show up with a half-eaten box of el cheapo candies? No. George Clooney would not.
You don’t even have to spend money to show her you care. Write her a hand-written note telling her what she means to you. Make her a card. Give her the night off—cook dinner and do the dishes for her. Every weekend, my man watches our daughter for a few hours so I can nap or veg out watching Investigation Discovery (my TV crack!); this simple gesture means more to me than any store-bought gift ever could. I mean that—those hours of “me” time are better than say, a magical diamond necklace that tastes like chocolate, does laundry and gives foot massages. Total cost: $0. Total impact: PRICELESS. It really is about the simple things, guys.
What have we learned, gentlemen?
- No matter what she says, get her a gift.
- Put some thought into it.
- Plan in advance.
- Have a Happy Valentine’s Day.
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