If your fourth grade experience was anything like mine, Valentine’s Day meant decorating the classroom with paper hearts and cutting, coloring, gluing and writing Valentine’s intended for exchange with our classmates. Sure, there was some tension involved when we wondered how our cards would be received by a “favorite” girl but, for the most part, it was good, clean fun.
How I wish that were still true as an adult.
I’ve lived through many, many Valentine’s Days since fourth grade. Prior to my February 14, 2000 marriage to Bette, I can’t recollect too many wonderful Valentine’s Days. Since then, they’ve all be great because we created a day that works for us both. However, before I met Bette I can remember years when February 14th was a real disappointment, either because of inflated expectations or just plain lousy food and service.
Since February 14th is a totally made up “occasion,” and one which causes untold distress for many men and women alike, why don’t we try fitting Valentine’s Day into our lives instead of shoehorning our lives into Valentine’s Day? And, if you’re single, either by choice or by circumstance, reject any notion that you’re “less than” just because you’re not part of a “couple.”
If you want to make this year special, for you and for a special man in your life, here are seven suggestions for Valentine’s Day success as offered from a man’s point of view.
1. It’s a Monday, for Pete’s sake!
February 14, 2011 falls on a Monday. On a day when restaurants are recovering from their busy weekend, many will be pushing an overpriced, overhyped, prix-fixe dinner rushed out of the kitchen to an overcrowded room by overworked wait staff. It’s a workday for most of us, the lucky ones who still have jobs, so we now have to shift from a full business day to creating a memorable romantic evening… because why?
If you’re going out to eat, wouldn’t it be better to enjoy the restaurant when they can be their best? Why not offer to celebrate one evening during the weekend before or after Valentine’s Day? You’ll have more privacy, better service and your food will likely be far more carefully prepared.
When Alison Armstrong told us she was considering Boston as one of her tour cities for Celebrating Men, Satisfying Women, I was ecstatic. Boston is one of my favorite cities, and it’s only four hours away by car. What a great opportunity for anyone who missed out on our sold-out January CMSW. Saturday, April 2nd and Sunday, April 3rd are the dates to see Alison lead Celebrating Men, Satisfying Women.
