MATT BUSH &
ROXANA ASTEMBORSKI
Art & Design Assistant Editor and Editor
Rox: Matty, it’s Valentine’s Day! What are you going to do for me?
Matt: Oh Rox, you know it’s a secret.
R: Secret? So … that means you haven’t planned anything, huh? Great. Don’t you love me?
M: Of course I love you, baby. You know I always pull through. But if I tell you the “surprise” it will be ruined … so until then, wait you must.
R: I won’t hold my breath.
M: For all of you hearing this jib jab, love is tough. And when I say tough, what I really mean is expensive.
R: And by expensive, he means worth every penny.
M: And not only is it expensive, but it’s picky.
R: Picky is another way of saying that we, ladies, know what we want.
M: And if we guys don’t know what they want, we can be sure we’ll hear about it.
R: But if I tell you what I want and how to do it, it’s not a surprise!
M: Good grief. How about since we’re all here, let us give you a few tips that will make your Valentine’s Day something she’ll want to scrapbook for years to come. Let’s face it: it can’t be that hard to woo your lady. You just have to keep these few things in mind.
No. 1: Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to break the bank
M: A date can be impressive without being expensive. If you’re looking for a daytime activity, lunch in the park is always a good bet. Make some sandwiches (find out if she eats meat!), take a blanket, and relax in the sun together.
R: Picnics equal amazing. The only thing that could make an afternoon like that more romantic is some great conversation. Guys, talk about yourself. Ask her about what she’s got going on. Say something that you’ve heard in a movie.
M: Yea, something like, “Frankly, my dear, I don’t give a damn.”
No. 2: Ladies love a man with a plan
M: Let’s just make this clear: never ask a girl, “What do you want to do?” If you don’t believe me, try it and see what happens. I’ll look for you in the dog house. She may seem hard to please, but a little thought from you beforehand, and that front will melt away like buttah.
R: Seriously. Sure, we like the finer things in life like fancy restaurants, helicopter rides and yacht parties, but what’s finer than a guy who’s planned a whole night of fun with just you in mind?
M: Need an idea for that special night? Pick her up with flowers in hand and take her to watch the sunset before dinner at her favorite little place. As soon as you take charge and lead the conversation, she’ll forget all about that yacht.
R: What yacht?
M: Nice. Done.
No. 3: Keep the snake in the cage
M: And when I say snake, I mean surprise. Nothing ruins the mood like giving it away too quickly. Girls love surprises. It means you actually thought about them, and aren’t just winging it.
R: And as far as surprises go, the more elaborate, the better. Voluntary public humiliation is a must. Why do you think so many people love it when the guy proposes to her at the ball game? Flowers or a mix tape are okay, but a trip to Catalina is over the top and something she’ll never forget.
M: Try this one, guys. Visit the restaurant you’ll be taking her to earlier in the day. Arrange with the manager to have dinner on the table when you arrive and everything already paid for so that she gets first-class treatment the whole night.
R: Why haven’t you ever tried that with me?
M: Snake’s out.
R: Whatever you have planned, keep it real. Stay genuine, be yourself and listen to my boy’s advice.
M: As long as you put some thought into what you’re planning and be creative, she’s going to love it. Like this: Roxy, you are more beautiful than the golden sunset; since the day we met, you’ve had my heart. I am so lucky to have you. Happy Valentine’s Day. I love you.
02-14-2008
