It’s back. Valentine’s Day. The official day of love. But let’s face it. Valentine’s Day is really an overrated, commercialized display of exaggerated affection. Husbands spend obscene amounts of money on larger than life bouquets and teddy bears to be placed on display for their wives’ co-workers. The romantic occasion is nothing more than a contest to see who gets what. Think about it. I’m sure you’ve witnessed the ladies in your office ooh and ahhh over beautifully arranged deliveries or turn their noses up at a not so lavish surprise. Perhaps you’ve been one of the lookers-on or even the recipient of one of these deliveries. The bottom line is that it’s ridiculous. How frivolous is it for us to measure our husbands’ love by the size of the flowers he has sent or the amount of money he spends on our Valentine’s Day surprises and dinner? All of that for just one day? Valentine’s Day is considered the day we express our love. But shouldn’t we make a conscious effort to do this all year round and not just on February 14th?
We can’t remove the existence of this holiday from the calendar and I’m not suggesting that we do so or ignore it. However, I am challenging wives everywhere to flip the script. Ladies, let’s stop expecting our husbands to shower us with balloons, chocolates, and stuffed animals. We are no longer teenagers showing off in high school. Instead of using Valentine’s Day as an excuse to have our men splurge on us, how about splurging on them? A good man is hard to find ladies. The ratio of men to women in Atlanta alone is one to six. If you’re fortunate enough to have a good man, a loving husband, be thoughtful enough to pamper him as he has so often done for you year after year. When asked what their ideal Valentine’s Day gift would be, most men replied that they didn’t expect anything because this holiday was made for women. The best gifts are the totally unexpected ones ladies.
He’s not looking for you to surprise him with anything so at this point anything you do would be remembered and appreciated. With the economy in its current condition, it isn’t necessary for you to go all out and spend your bill money. Besides, men are simple and easy to please. There are plenty of cost-conscious gift ideas for men in Atlanta to commemorate this occasion. For starters, send your sweetie to The Natural Body Spa for a day of pampering. They have a special package designed just for men, the Men’s Club Retreat. Giving him this royal treatment would be relaxing for him and any hardworking man would appreciate the gesture. If you want to partake in the experience with him, try the Natural Body Deluxe Spa Day. Make a day of it for the two of you enjoying facials and manicures as well as lunch provided by the company. Natural Body has several convenient locations in the Atlanta area and prices that won’t hurt your wallet.
For a more sensual experience, reserve a spot for you and your husband at the Room at Twelve Centennial Park for their event, The Art of Mixology: V-Day Class for lovers. In this classy atmosphere you will be taught how to make various cocktails and you will also have the opportunity to learn how to belly dance. This crash course can prove to be useful in that you can entice your husband with a private show later. Again, this event is affordable, costing a mere $35. Your biggest concern will be reserving your spot in time. Your husband is sure to have fun experimenting with the alcohol and liqueurs as well as watching the beautiful body he loves so much learn how to tease him in a new way.
For the wife that prefers to provide her man with something tangible that’s long lasting, may I suggest jewelry? If you want to provide him with a quality, high end, yet affordable piece, begin your search at Capetown Diamond. The Roswell based jeweler is currently running a Valentine’s Day special offering gift ideas from a broad range of prices. There are items to fit every type of man and most tight budgets.
There are so many things you can do to show your husband your appreciation of him. The most heartfelt and cost-efficient idea is the simple quiet dinner at home. Send the kids away, make your man his favorite meal and serve it to him by candlelight. Draw him up a nice scented bath, put on some jazz, light some scented candles, and bathe him. Light a fire, chill a bottle of champagne, and feed him some chocolate dipped strawberries. Whether the husband spoils the wife, the wife spoils the husband, or you spoil each other, Valentine’s Day shouldn’t be about spending all of your money and putting on a show for your friends or coworkers. It should be about you celebrating one another and making each other feel as special and loved as the day you said I do. Most importantly, the need to express this love shouldn’t be confined to just one day out of the year. Make it a habit, if you don’t already, to randomly do something to show your spouse how much he/she means to you. Don’t wait for February 14th to roll around again before you shower your mate with love, attention, and affection. Marriage is so much more than just having a permanent Valentine. Every day of every year of your marriage should be Valentine’s Day. Treat it as such.
Be good to one another for your love is all you really have.
For more info:
www.cuterecruit.com - to verify the ratio of men to women in Atlanta
www.roomattwelve.com - to register for the Art of Mixology or to learn more about Room @ Twelve Centennial
www.capetowndiamond.com - to browse the jeweler's selections
www.Naturalbody.com- to inquire about spa packages at Natural Body
Comments
Hi Kenni,
This article definitely hit home for me. With the economy being where its at I have to, unlike years prior focus on the love not the grand gesture. I really appreciate your article and look forward to reading your views on future topic.
Peace and Blessings,
Gloria
Lovely article.
Thank you for thinking of the guys. There are so few women out there that do. Your husband is a very lucky man.
Very informative. I may try some of these suggestions.
Thanks for the article. I will stay tuned to see what you will write about next.
Great article and a great switch for the holiday... I will have to check out Capetown Diamond Jewelers and surprise my very specical husband with something great!!
Ken,
Your article is very good and informative for those young ladies and men who are unsure as to what the day really means. Love is year round not just oneday. Honor your man everyday as he honors you. Love is patient Love is Kind.... for when God wrote it he didn't mean when it was convenient but all the time.
I'm very PROUD of you!!!
Love,
TT
Superb article Kenni!! It was extremely informative and right on time. Thanks for your insight.
Peace, love and happiness,
Miranda
I thought that your article was very interesting. Although, I am not married, or have a special someone. It would be a great practice. Good Luck in your future endeavors, and God Bless you!
I thought your article was very good. I agree that love is year round. May God blessed you and good luck in the future!
Wow. I totally agree. I don't celebrate the holiday for some of the very reasons you mentioned. Love is not a showy display for others. People fail to realize that is a God given quality that should be displayed between a couple. When focus is placed else-where, then the sincerety of the person's actions are questioned.
I loved your article and it reflected real truth. Keep up the good work.
1st, congratulations on your new career. I'm so very proud of you. Now, I totally agree with your ideas. I do this every year. I don't think its fare for the men to just cater to our desires on V-day. We love them just as much, so why not show them as well. Valentines day is a day of love, so I also give my mother and sister a gift. Don't be stingy with it, spread it.
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