Valentine’s Day Survival Guide For Men
By Roger Naylor
Blame it on Cupid’s jabby arrow. Or maybe it was all that kiwi schnapps you pounded down the night you met. Whatever the reason, you’re now a couple. You’re married, or engaged, or dating, or just hanging out together until someone more attractive comes along. No matter what the status of your relationship, prepare for a wicked sucker punch of reality. Valentine’s Day is fast bearing down.
With the relentless hype and overblown expectations, it’s a miracle any relationship survives Valentine’s Day. It’s especially hard on men because we never got a handle on the whole romance and/or spontaneity scam in the first place.
We like getting those little chalky-tasting hearts that say things like “Be Mine” and “Too Cool,” the original text messaging. And we’re quite comfortable with an evening that ends in sweaty sex. It’s the whole tedious build-up that baffles us. So for the guys, here is a quick guide to help you navigate the emotional minefield of the longest day of the year.
How to Prepare for the Date
Marinate yourself in cologne. In case you get separated in a crowd she’ll be able to track you by your scent. This will make her feel safe. Choose appropriate attire. This is a special night, so no T-shirts. Unless they convey a romantic slogan or are the faux tuxedo kind, which are always appropriate.
Clean and vacuum your car. To demonstrate a fresh commitment to the relationship, peel off your beloved pornographic bumper stickers.
Go the extra mile to make this night memorable. For example, if your sweetheart loves to dance, surprise her by showing up at her door with a limp. Explain that your foot was mangled in machinery. Otherwise, you might have to go dancing.
Show Her You Care with Underwear
Present her gift as soon as you arrive. What, you weren’t going to bring her a gift on Valentine’s Day? Yeah. Good thinking. Let me know how that works out for you, chief. For those of us who hope to have sex again in this lifetime, present the gift when you arrive.
Remember, flowers are not a gift. They’re a garnish. Gift parsley, if you will. A Valentine’s Day gift should be thoughtful, personal, and see-through.
Give her lingerie. Even if she asks for jewelry, she secretly craves lingerie. And steer clear of elegant or understated because she can buy that for herself. Spring something clingy and slutty on her, bold but with an underlying note of skankiness. Nothing makes a woman feel sexier than when her significant other urges her to don an outfit that would make Christina Aguilera weep with shame.
Where to Eat…
Your first thought will be to select a classy or romantic restaurant. Wrong! Those joints will be crawling with couples, many of them more attractive than you two. This is the night your sweetheart desperately wants to stand out. So look for the kind of place most people would never consider on Valentine’s Day, such as hospital cafeterias or truck stops. You’ll know you chose the right restaurant if:
A clown is on the premises. Police tape and chalk outlines of bodies are prominent parts of the décor. The daily specials are tattooed on the waitress’s bicep. Your date eats free if she signs up for the topless Jell-O wrestling contest. Especially if she has to Jell-O wrestle a clown. (Note to guys: I know, I know! Topless women Jell-O wrestling clowns is such a great concept for a restaurant I can’t believe nobody thought of it already.)
How to Make with the Blah Blah Blah
During moments you aren’t shoveling in the grub, you’ll be expected to talk. Guide the discussion through safe channels. Steer clear of controversy. Here are a few icebreakers to avoid:
“I was on television last week. You may not recognize me because I’m not wearing a wifebeater.”
“If this relationship works out, I’ll save a fortune on hookers.”
I think it’s great that you’re so nonchalant about your weight.”
“We better skip the movie tonight. I think the Viagra is starting to kick in.”
Any other topic is pretty much fair game. Especially ex-lovers.
Once your sweetheart hears the graphic details about all your past exploits, she will swoon with delight knowing such an experienced man chose her.
How to Stay Awake During a Chick Flick
I have no idea.
Seriously.
Maybe you can turn it into a drinking game. Every time one of the characters is diagnosed with an incurable disease, do a shot. You might pass out but at least you won’t doze off.
How to Get Her in the Mood for Love
Smear whipped cream all over your body and playfully suggest she lick it off. Do not try this if your lover is lactose intolerant. If you’re out of whipped cream, substitute deviled ham. Spice things up by blindfolding your lover. This will heighten her pleasure and allow you to watch SportsCenter with the sound muted. Offer to paint her toenails. If they’re already painted, offer to clean her cat’s litter box. Sensual role-playing can help create a whole new sexual dynamic. But keep the characters general. Suggesting she dress up as a cheerleader is one thing, suggesting she pretend to be her jaw-droppingly beautiful roommate is quite another.
Because Love is a Whatchamacallit, a Many Splendored Thing
Every woman dreams of an unforgettable Valentine’s Day. Follow this helpful guide and I guarantee you will help her achieve that dream. You’ll have a date she will never, ever forget. Even with therapy and medication.
Her friends won’t forget either once she phones them with the details.
And neither will strangers on the Internet as email descriptions of your mad dating skills are furiously forwarded around the globe. You’ll be famous. The guy who couldn’t be tamed by common sense. Rebel without a clue.
And it will make it way easier for the rest of us to look romantic by comparison.
So thanks. Way to take one for the team.
