This is a new Flair column that will grace our men's issue monthly. Our reporter Daviot Kelly will put his own unique spin on everyday topics, poking fun where necessary, but always aiming to make you laugh.
VALENTINE'S DAY is coming back (collective groan from the men) and women are looking for all sorts of stuff, from teddy bears to jewellery and aah yes, candlelight dinners on February 14.
Those dinners are the topic of my monologue this week. I'm a softy, though I play tough. Still cry at some movies (war movies I must specify), kinda believe in true love and still try to be a gentleman (holding doors etc.), but what's the big deal about a candlelight dinner?
What makes it so special? The fact that it takes place in a more (you hope) intimate setting? Or maybe it's because it usually marks a special occasion like the aforementioned 14th of February. Or maybe women love that stuff because it means we have to spend more. Like Sparrow said, "No money, no love." Does that mean more money, more love? Hmm!
Think it was Hamlet who said, "Vanity, thy name is woman!" Okay, so he might have been a few towns short of an empire and he actually said frailty, but he has a point nonetheless!
You're not going to convince us cavemen that for an evening out to be 'rosemantic' it requires million-dollar food, wine and presents.
At the same time, I'm not advocating Burger King, although it should be a viable alternative considering how the money is running these days (i.e. running out of our pockets to bill collectors and supermarket cashiers). Let's face it, it takes money (lots of it!) to sponsor those little gastronomic get-togethers. I have heard the horror stories from guys about their dates ordering the meal. If she gets out the menu and immediately heads for the lobster/shrimp dishes, then I hope you have the credit card ready or mom taught you how to wash dishes!
BROADER ISSUE
I choose to see candlelight dinners as a broader issue and I think it doesn't have to be under candlelight or even a dinner.
Spending time together with the ladies! That's the important thing! Whether it be on the lawns of Devon House, the seaside in Port Royal or watching DVDs at home, it's all about doing something to make the lady of your life feel like she IS the lady of your life. Admittedly, some guys don't do any of these things I mentioned not even on special occasions. But hey, Highway 2000 wasn't built in a day.
So ladies, when your friends boast and brag about when John or Brian took them to dinner, consider that if John and Brian are investment bankers, they have a little more dough than some of us. Do yourself and everybody else a favour; get over it!
And if it's candlelit, well-prepared dinners you want regularly, date a chef!
Please feel free to bash Kelly verbally or physically anywhere you might see him. It's ok, his ego and girth can take it. Email your comments to lifestyle@gleanerjm.com.
