February 14th: the date hopeless romantics circle on their calendar every year and anxiously prep for, whether it be picking out the latest HUGO BOSS watch for their man crush or purchasing the sexy red stilettos eyed at Bloomie’s. But, we often disregard that it takes two to tango! Although red lipstick may not be on this agenda, our boys, too, twist and turn trying to plan for the special day (plot twist, I know!). Here’s a little inside scoop on what’s really going on upstairs!
Take on the National Holiday
Valentine’s Day may have taken the award for most controversial holiday — an excuse for all of America to splurge on fuzzy stuffed animals and corny, love-proclaiming cards or a set day to go “all-out” for your significant other?
“In my opinion, I think Valentine’s Day is an important day. It’s a good way to show your affections and I believe that if you have strong feelings towards someone then there is no better way to act upon these feelings.” – Joe, 18
“I believe that a man who truly loves his significant other, should treat everyday as if it were Valentine’s Day. I also believe that Valentine’s Day is a day that reminds those who seem to forget how special their significant other is. Valentine’s Day is like the Christmas Eve of love, it’s the day that one really feels like there is love in the air.” – Vincenzo, 18
“My take on Valentine’s Day is that it is not all about spending money, but it is mainly about showing how much you care about someone. Just looking to show them that you truly appreciate them and hoping to make their day as special as possible.” – Jose M., 18
“Even though Valentine’s Day is very commercialized, I still feel that at its core it’s an important holiday. I think it’s a good idea to dedicate a day to remind spouses to appreciate each other and to spend quality time together.” – Mike, 18
Teddy bears and chocolate truffles: too corny?
What girl doesn’t want a life-size teddy bear to cuddle with at this time of year? Or, at least just when their man crush is hitting the gym with the boys. Who knew some of these boys actually love the generic V-day gifts just as much as us!
“Teddy Bears and Chocolates are the way to go. If it aint broke don’t fix it. Stick to what works. I have never heard a girl upset about getting chocolates. Make a thoughtful homemade card though. Shows some effort.” – Doug, 22
“It depends on the relationship really, because maybe someone does appreciate the occasional corny gift. I feel like it would be funny to get your significant other a corny gift, but then surprise her with something that has meaning for the both of you. That would be my kind of gift, a corny joke for the laughs, and a meaningful gift for the love.” – Vincenzo, 18
“I wouldn’t say I am opposed to the stereotypical gifts because they play a huge part in how we identify Valentines Day. Giant stuffed animals are funny and I’m always looking for a good reason to purchase copious amounts of chocolate. When it comes to picking out flowers, I find giant bouquets of flowers to be a bit redundant. I think a single rose can go a long way and I find it to be far more romantic – but I may just be a minimalist.” – Lucas, 19
“I think the stereotypical gifts are good for a girl you don’t really know well, and you want to play it safe. If it is for a girl you really like and have known for a while, I would rather get a gift that is unique and special for her.” – Dan, 19
“I really like giving valentines gifts actually, flowers especially. I usually go to a florist and everything to pick out the perfect ones to give. Also, chocolates are a staple. It’s not Valentine’s Day if one of the gifts isn’t chocolate from a heart shaped box. I really enjoy those.” -Tylor, 21
How do you prepare before a v-day date?
Red lipstick. Newest sparkly, body-con dress from Bebe. Decked out in Alex and Ani. Nails done, hair done, everything did. Yes, we are very much aware that the female species undergoes a 3 hour process to get ready, but next time you judge, think twice, because you boys are just as bad!
“I think the best way to prepare for a Valentines Day date is to look your best, because everyone’s more confident when they look their best. So go to the barber, shower, shave, and put on a nice outfit. You don’t have to look like your going to a job interview, but you also don’t want to under dress. Sports coat, dress shoes and a jacket if it is cold always works. Simple, but sophisticated.” – Kevin, 20
“For a Valentine’s Day date, I’d usually start getting ready about an hour or so before hand. On the day of the date, I would probably get a haircut and probably play some video games or something to relax. I would then shave, shower and make sure I pick out a nice outfit.” – Dan, 19
“I would start by picking out what I am going to wear. Typically, I would wear a pair of Church’s wingtips, Burberry tailored jeans, Turnbull and Asser made to measure double cuff shirt with Bvlgari cufflinks, a Ermenegildo Zegna blazer, and a Tom Ford pocket square for the final touch. After a long shower, I would start putting on my socks and pants. After would come the shirt with the cufflinks, then I would gel my hair to get it perfect. I would then put on my accessories, such as my Breitling watch and Hermes bracelets. I would finish the process with putting on my blazer with the pocket square. Then wait patiently for my significant other to get ready.” – Vincenzo, 18
“To prepare myself before a v-day date I would go to the gym after I wake up, come back shower then get dress and grab a quick bite somewhere. Go get a haircut, possibly go get myself some nice new expensive clothes to look good. If I haven’t got her gifts yet then I would do that. I would go home make reservations for dinner and possibly even look to see the showtimes for a romantic movie. After all that, I would relax depending how much time I have and then get ready for an amazing date.” – Jose M., 18
“I would definitely shower, wear something a little nicer than usual maybe, depending on where we’re going. I’d also make sure not to forget my gift!” – Mike, 18
“Same way as any other date. Always maintain utmost standards of hygiene and personal care and… Don’t be nervous, you’re going to spend time with someone who’s intention of being with you is to make you happy with just being together. I guess I don’t really get nervous when talking to someone I like but if you do, then just remember that you’re going to die anyway, make your life worth it and have as much fun as you can with people that you enjoy spending time with. If you love her, tell her.” – José, 21
Homemade or store bought? Which gifts do you prefer to receive?
It ain’t always easy peasy lemon squeezy! The struggle girls undergo searching for the perfect gift is just unbearable! The generic watch and cologne or a deck of cards stating the 52 reasons you heart him the most? If only there was a way to find out which these boys actually prefer…
“To be honest, I would not really be that bothered about receiving gifts. I would just be pleased to have the opportunity to be in the company of the girl. If I was to receive any gifts, I would rather receive a store bought item.” – Joe, 18
“Homemade, definitely! It shows that she put in time and effort in making the gift. It’s also something I would appreciate a lot more than a store bought gift.” – Vincenzo, 18
“I really don’t care whether a gift is homemade or store bought, because I am the type of person who believes that the thought is all that really matters. I love it when a girl goes out of her way to do something nice for a guy, since it shows that the girl is just as invested in the date/relationship as the guy is.” – Dan, 19
“Whichever the person I’m going out with wants to give me. If they know me and know how to make me happy, they’ll know what to give me (whether it’s something material or not, preferably not).” – José, 21
“Either is fine. If my date puts their best effort into my gift and truly thinks I’ll like it, I’m going to end up liking it.” – Kevin, 20
“I guess homemade gifts simply because they tend to evoke more meaning. Anyone can purchase something they think looks nice in a store, but a handmade gift is unique, just like a relationship is.” – Lucas, 19
“Maybe some protein bars and a home made card.” – Doug, 22
Ridin’ solo? Yay or nay?
Alright, so your relationship status on Facebook reads “single,” BIG WHOOP DEE DOO! Some of these boys actually prefer hangin’ solo and most definitely appreciate the fact they don’t have to spend a single cent on anyone but themselves. It’s a takeout kinda night, spoil yourself!
“I don’t think you have to be seeing somebody to have a good time on Valentines Day. Last year I was single on Valentines Day and had an awesome night out with friends in the city. And I find that to be the beauty in Valentines Day – you’re either out with your significant other sharing a nice evening or you’re out with your friends partying it up.” – Lucas, 19
“Well, I’d certainly prefer being single on Valentine’s Day than being in a bad relationship. It’s kind of a good thing because I don’t have to worry about giving the right gift, but it can sometimes be a bit of a sucker punch from the calendar, reminding me that I’m single. Overall, it’s really not so bad.” – Mike, 18
“I think valentines day is a fun day to be single. If your short on money you save it. If you got it, its a solid day for a first date.” – Doug, 22
“I am not a huge proponent of Valentine’s Day, so it’s not a huge deal for me if I am single on Valentine’s Day. This particular Valentine’s Day, I am single and I am planning on just hanging out with my friends who are also single.” – Dan, 19
“Being single on v-day kinda sucks cause you start getting nostalgic of the past when you weren’t single, but when you get together with your other single friends and do something fun, it’s actually a pretty great way to remember the positives of single life!” -Tylor, 21
“I’d enjoy it anyway. Valentine’s day should be about the person you love the most, so show your roommate some love, or maybe your cat. I am not single, so I will be spending time with my lovely girlfriend.” – Vincenzo, 18
“Whatever makes you happy. I love someone and I’m single, a relationship label doesn’t change your feelings for that person.” – José, 21
Ideal V-Day Date
A romantic, candlelit dinner table for two at Trattoria Dell’Arte across from Carnegie, sounds appealing to a majority of these boys, but some would prefer to have it their way.
“Well… we are in New York so the possibilities are endless, but I’ll give it a shot…. I am a really active person so it would be great to go ice skating, I do that like once a year haha. After that it’s dinner time, in which we are going to a restaurant called The Meatball Shop on Greenwich Ave, for which we will have reservations. The name doesn’t do it justice, the restaurant is ridiculously delicious. It’s Italian food, and really the many variations of meatballs are unlike any other. The ambiance of the restaurant is so relaxing, every table is candle lit, and its a pretty quiet place. So meatballs and wine for probably two hours, where we talk about everything under the sun, at which I discover that our love for music is mutual and so we decide we are going to a jazz club. Best one in my opinion is Village Vanguard in West Village, the musicians they have there are world renown. Stay there for as long as we want and by then it will be pretty late, so I guess that would be all. I like having a “plan,” but spontaneity is always fun.” -Tylor, 21
“To me, my perfect Valentine’s Day date would be to spend every second with my girlfriend, because every second is precious. I would make sure every second counts, and that every moment spent would be a new memory to enjoy later.” – Vincenzo, 18
“I’d rather go wherever my date will be the happiest, but if I had to choose, I would say dinner at a nice steakhouse and then staying in and watching a movie. Where we’d go isn’t important so long as we would be sharing quality time together.” – Mike, 18
“The perfect Valentine’s Day date would be going out to a nice restaurant in uptown Manhattan, taking a walk around central park, and getting Waffles and Dinges afterwards. Simple, but classy.” – Kevin, 20
“Waking up next to her, getting breakfast together, going for a walk in the park or going to the beach, and then, having dinner somewhere. It’s really just another day, it’s best just to make all days as special as Valentine’s Day or your birthday.” – José, 21
“Simply spending time with your date is what matters. Location isn’t important. There seems to be this assumed formality to Valentines Day that I think puts too much pressure on people to achieve the storybook evening everyone associates with the holiday. Valentines Day is meant to celebrate love. And love can be felt anywhere.” – Lucas, 19
“I would like to do something fun and outgoing during the day. I think it all depends on location of where you live and what is around you. After spending the afternoon together, I don’t think I am a bad cook, so I would probably prefer to cook a meal and have a few drinks back home. However, I would not be opposed for going out for a meal at a restaurant.” – Joe, 18