It’s February, the month in Manitoba where the word cold is always preceded by another word that also starts with the letter ‘f’. Those residents who have flown to southern climes will check daily temperatures back home, helping justify the cost of their trip. They smile and slather on the sun screen as they watch the homestead temperatures plummet.
February is also a second Christmas season for the confectionery, floral and greeting card industries. It’s the month for Valentines Day: the one day where significant others are obligated to show their love in a romantic jester. No, that’s not a misspell. I’m not good at being a fool.
The flotsam in the wake of my love boat sailing for some 40 years, is testimony to the motivational message, if at first you don’t succeed, try, try and then give them your credit card.
I bought my live in girl friend an ironing board on her birthday. She had complained about always having to iron on the kitchen table. Any problem solving male would conclude an ironing board would resolve the table issue and be a perfect birthday gift.
A video game for Christmas is another decision that is occasionally floated in conversation as another one of my a romantic ship wrecks. I figured since I played video games, why not purchase a game she would like and we could play together. Merry Christmas sweetie, it’s a video game!
This year, I may have been baited. While at a restaurant the server mentioned a Valentines day lobster and steak dinner evening. My spouse looked at me and said “lets go?” I know my spouse doesn’t like sea food. The lump in my throat wasn’t from the fried baloney I just swallowed but rather knocking down the large price tag for the special evening.
I have come to the conclusion since I am unable to overcome my struggle with solving romance I will give up my PIN. If there is something my significant other likes or wants, she can go buy it for herself. Please, don’t leave it up to me to hear, conjure, guess or just think about being romantic. Any decisions made by this male are not coming up roses.
Before making the confirmation for the restaurant reservation, I surmised Valentines Day fell on a Saturday. I play hockey on Friday, so there would be no conflict. I responded “it sounds like a great idea,” as I gently caressed her hand. (Okay, so that last response and action may be fiction.)
You may have seen me at the restaurant, alone. I was the gentleman sitting in a booth eating two lobster and steak dinners. I can’t think of what went wrong. This year I didn’t buy her anything.
Cartoon by Michel Remillard of corydoncafe.com
