Oriole Lounge

It really is much simpler than we tend to make it… and by “we” of course I’m referring to men. Valentine’s Day, as observed throughout the ages in offices, in the streets, at local pubs and just listening to friends, is something that just gets in the way of common sense. Men don’t really get it… or they don’t want to get it… and they’ve got loads of excuses.

“Honey, it’s just a marketing ploy by Hallmark. Do you really want to play into that?”

“But Sweety, I love you just as much on the 15th as I do on the 14th! Everyday is Valentine’s Day!”

“My love, I would love to celebrate with you, but Valentine’s Day just brings up memories of seeing my family butchered in front of me when I was a kid… it all happened on that day!”

Admittedly, that last one doesn’t get used as often, but pretty close.

Women (and I realize I’m generalizing… this is really based on women in my life) by all accounts use this day to actually celebrate their love, their partnership, and their devotion. Sure, they love to get chocolates (who doesn’t?). Yeah, they go batty when they get flowers (who wouldn’t?). And, sure, they love to engage in 36 different sex positions in a night (which is only, like, six more than usual, right?). But, really, it’s about taking a moment to look into your partner’s eyes and not just say it, but celebrate the fact that you love each other. Or, at the very least, you tolerate each other and are willing to call it in for the next 20 odd years.

But there is no reason why men need fear this. This is a good thing. Go with it. You’ll be glad you did.

Here are a few hints:

1. You don’t need to buy her the moon. It seems trite, but some special chocolates (I’m talking Godiva, not bloody Lindt), roses, or flowers… it doesn’t matter that this is typical, she’ll be happy to have them.

2. Tell her you love her. I mean, in your own words. You’ve already complained about Hallmark so don’t buy her a card with pre-written crap. Unless it’s the one that has a picture of a train and says “I choo choo choose you!”. That one’s a classic. But you don’t have to be a poet, or even an obscure, semi-popular blogger. You just need to tell her how you feel. (Stop sweating. You can do this.)

3. Use the technology available to you. It’s no longer an excuse that all the tables are booked. You can use your smartphone and book a table through Open Table or even Yelp. (This year, my love and I booked into Bodega for an early V-Day celebration, and many good things came of it I can tell you.) Again, it’s not about the price so don’t worry about how many stars the restaurant has. Just don’t take her to Harvey’s and you’re already doing above grade. And, you know, if you’re a bit short on cash this year… you can cook. You know you can.

4. This is most important. You need the perfect Valentine’s Day cocktail. Your future together depends on it. As you can see in the photo above, a classic cocktail by a roaring fire is what dreams are made of. As luck would have it, I have a couple recipes on this blog! And, to make your lover swoon with delight, straddle you in your chair, rip off her shirt while biting your neck and then pushing you to the ground so she can tie you… sorry… got ahead of myself. I’ll post a couple more recipes tomorrow.

It’s really hot in here.