Valentine's Day inspires many random musings for me. Among them, who takes the most gift giving responsibility in a gay relationship today? (I actually do want to know how this is decided.) Aside from the random musings, I do feel that this is a highly over-inflated holiday that is set up to make men feel stressed and undervalued. Poor guys...all this pressure for one otherwise insignificant day. Not that I feel that showing your significant other affection isn't worthwhile, but this is such a contrived exercise.
I was listening to Dennis Prager on the way to school this morning and he had Alison Armstrong (of Understanding Men) on his show explaining how women can help their men today. For those in a relationship, here are two important things she suggested.
1. Tell your guy what you need today (in other words, what is it that you would be disappointed not to have today). She said that for years, she just wanted to be acknowledged as her husband's lover once a year--not the mother of his kids, or his best friend, but his lover. That was priority to her.
2. Tell him what would make you happy. If that's candy, let him know. If that's getting your car detailed, tell him. These are perks though, not necessities.
She emphasized the importance of setting him up to win by abandoning expectations of his mind reading powers. {I highly recommend her website to both men and women.}
So, there you have it. My thoughts about this holiday being somewhat ridiculous, and thoughts for those who really love it. Happy Valentine's Day!
Addendum:
So the post this morning was inspired by all the guys at my school complaining about this holiday, coupled with an irritation at how crazily commercial this holiday has become. It's not so bad, but it is still a stress to hard working men who try to read their wives' minds. I had a great time because I'm not one of those girls who lives for today. I had great fun. It's been a while since I've actually spent time with the human race (thank you private piano instructors!) :), so it was a welcomed holiday this year.
if my girlfriend said all she needed was her car detailed, i'd marry her. You shouldn't let a catch like that get away from you.
Posted by: Peter at February 14, 2005 01:30 PM
