Kicking Butt on Valentine's Day (A Case Study)

Imagine going to the Mercedes dealer and buying a new car for your wife.  Only when the car is delivered it’s just a box of unassembled parts.  It has instructions, but they are written in something that looks like Klingon….and the pictures on the instructions look kinda like the model of the Space Shuttle you built in 5th grade.  You don’t know what to do.  You don’t even know where to start.  However, you think that a shot of whisky would probably make it a little bit better.  Oh, yeah, all the while the love of your life is standing close by looking very disappointed.  (You definitely need some booze.)

That is how many men feel about February 14.  They want to “Keep a Happy Wife” on Valentine's Day, but aren’t sure how to do it.  Some men think throwing money at the problem will make it go away.  In an episode of The Office, Michael Scott said: “Presents are the best way to show someone you care.  It is like this tangible thing that you can point to and say, “Hey, I love you this many dollars worth”.  If you think that way you are an idiot.  If your wife thinks that way, then I am very, very sorry for you.  That attitude tends to make Valentine's Day really hard ("that's what she said").

If you or your wife think that breaking the bank is the best way to say “I love you (this many dollars worth)” then I say it is time to re-align that perspective and change some expectations.  A truly thoughtful gift will outweigh an expensive one every time.  (Side note: When you read “thoughtful” do not confuse that with a greeting card from the gas station you found at 6:00 on February 14).  What Valentine’s Day is supposed to be about is a celebration and declaration of how much you love your wife.  Not a celebration of how high your credit limit used to be on your American Express.

I’ll share with you a practical idea that I used this year.  It took a little time and a little planning, but it captured the meaning of Valentine’s Day.

This morning when The Wife got up, she found a scrolled note on the kitchen counter in front of a vase of red tulips.  The scroll was held together by a thumb tack.  You can see the note here.

The Wife’s van was filled with red and pink balloons (probably about 35).  Inside each balloon was a very small note.  The note was from me or one of our sons stating a reason why we loved her.  In one of the balloons were tickets for a movie on Valentine’s night.  Also, hanging from her rear view mirror was a pink striped scarf.  All in: balloons and balloon pump (recommended) from the party supply store, movie tickets and scarf from Target…about $40.  This was a meaningful, memorable and affordable Valentine’s Day.

So The Wife has spent the morning popping balloons are reading about how much her family (especially her husband) loves her.  Her comment to me: “You sure know how to show me I am loved”. 

Valentine’s Day just got it’s a$$ kicked, people!

If you have any fun Valentine's ideas, leave a comment!  I'd love to hear it. 

Happy Valentine's to you and yours.