20% Of Men Don't Know The Date Of Valentine's Day

Most women we know either relish or dread February 14th. The anticipation starts once the new year turns over and January marches bravely into February. It is here we either find ourselves single (it might actually be better!) recently coupled (eek—what's appropriate?) or in a relationship (scouring menu pages or dreading the forced romance).

While we're evaluating our love lives as February 14th approaches, what's the more rugged sex thinking? Does this date make men flinch or will V-Day, 2010 be just another sleepy Sunday?



According to our research, most men (some friends, others complete strangers) are very much aware Valentine's Day falls on February 14th—though a full 20 percent of our (admittedly small) sample did not know. And some even feel the pressure/malaise of us ladies. Here's the breakdown.

50—the number of men between the ages of 24 and 38 we polled.
21—the number of men in relationships. The rest were single; none were married.
80—the percentage of men who knew Valentine's Day falls on Feb. 14th right off the top of their head.
10—the percentage of men who said Valentine's Day either falls on Feb. 14th or Feb. 15th (all five said they always forget).
10—the percentage of men who had no idea other than "it's sometime in mid-February."

Here's what the men had to say:

"Uh, yeah. Everyone knows that. This is a silly question, Melissa. Somebody hasn't been in a relationship in a while." [Ed note: *glare.*] —Phil, 32, single

"I remember Valentine's Day from school. We always had to make those hearts and pick a Valentine." —Shariff, 30, single

"Oh, I'm always single on Valentine's Day and it depresses me. I'm a woman with a penis." —Mark, 32, single

"How could we not know Valentine's Day falls on Feb. 14th?! It's practically drilled into our heads everywhere we go after the Superbowl." —Cameron, 31, single 

"Well, I'm in a relationship so that's probably how I know. There's a lot of pressure for the guy to pony up and do something special." —Erek, 26, in a relationship

"Nope. I haven't the slightest. Feb. 17th, maybe? The 18th? I guess this shows how much I look forward to it." —Brian, 32, single

20% Of Men Don't Know The Date Of Valentine's Day

13 Things Your Florist Won't Tell You

1. If you want more flowers for your money, find a florist in your recipient's town and call him directly. But it's harder than you think: some florists in the yellow pages and at the top of your Google search are national businesses masquerading as local ones. They even buy local phone numbers. So make sure you look for a physical address in town.

2. Our smartest customers ask for a bunch of those packets. Most of us will gladly give you extras.

3. Put away those scissors, which can crush the stem. Instead, use a sharp, non-serrated knife to cut a quarter of an inch off the bottom of stems, at an angle. While you're at it, cut off those leaves below the water line. They breed bacteria.

4. Looking for a way to jazz up your red roses? Try pairing them with purple statice or heather. Or ask us: "What can you put in that will really make her roses stand out?"

5. Believe it or not, weddings are not that profitable for most of us, mainly because of labor costs. But we're banking on your future business. Once we do a wedding for you and do it right, you're a customer for life.

6. Thanks for continuing to buy flowers, even in this economy. We really do understand why you're choosing floating bowls instead of $50 centerpieces for your wedding. And why you're sending your wife a mixed bouquet every week instead of the $50 roses. But that's part of the reason our business is down by 8 or 9 percent.

7. What's trendy? Tropical flowers in a geometric vase without a lot of greenery, mounded arrangements of just one type of flower, and woody branches with fruit or berries.

8. Speaking of Valentine's Day, how about thinking outside the box? Lots of women would love a vase filled with red tulips still in the bulb.

9. A box of dead flowers for your friend's 40th birthday – ha! – that's funny. But you'll have to look somewhere else. Come on, my name goes on that.

10. Do you like cold baths? Neither do flowers.

11. Do us a favor and choose your bridesmaids' dresses before you come to us about your wedding. But after spending an hour with you picking flowers, it's a bit of a drag to do it again six months later because you ended up picking different color dresses.


12. Don't buy your wedding flowers at Costco then ask me to design them for you. Would you buy your steaks there, then bring them to the caterer to prepare?

13. Call to complain because your flowers died after just three days, and we know you probably didn't even add water to the vase.

13 Things Your Florist Won't Tell You

Guy's View: The Words Women Want to Hear on Valentines Day

What should a man really say when his woman asks about that dress — or worse, whether she looks fat in it? Below are easy answers to four of the toughest questions, with explanations why they work well. Also, 

The Question: Do you like what I'm wearing?
The Right Answer: "You look beautiful."
Why: A little bit of ambiguity goes a long way. Leave specific criticisms to her friends. She doesn't love you for your informed opinions on culottes.


The Question: Do I look fat in this?

The Right Answer: "Of course not."

Why: Absolutely no other answer should be used here. Don't go off the script. Not even if she's wearing a fat suit.



The  Question: Do you love me?

The Right Answer: "I love you."

Why: They want to hear you say it. Now is not the time to be funny. Avoid "yepper" or "affirmative."


The Question: What the hell is your problem?

The Right Answer: "I love you."

Why: Neutralize her attack with affection. If she follows up with, "What the hell do you mean by that?" bail out the window like Benicio del Toro in The Hunted.
Would these answers be right for your relationship?

Guy's View: The Words Women Want to Hear on Valentines Day

How to Keep Flowers Fresh

Your honey bought you a Valentine's bouquet (sweet!). Make those cut flowers last longer with these simple steps from Kate Law of proflowers.com:

Fill a vase with lukewarm water and add the included flower food. Cut off stems on an angle with a sharp knife to create more surface area for the water absorption. Place the vase out of direct sunlight in a cool, non-drafty spot.

Refresh the water and trim stems 1/2 inch every other day. In place of flower food, fill the vase with half water, half lemon-lime soda—the sugar will feed the blooms while the acidity will keep flower-life-shortening bacteria at bay. 

 

How to Keep Flowers Fresh

The Worst Valentine's Day Gifts Ever, 2010 Edition

A Coupon For Any Kind Of  Love

A coupon for any kind of love,don't hold on to it--just give away the love!

We know what you're going to say: It's the thought that counts. But, honestly, it's really not thoughtful to buy your mate a terrible gift—on Valentine's Day or ever. So, please, we beg you, significant others everywhere, don't drop your cash on any of the cutesy-bad or clueless-gross presents we've outlined above. No one wants them. Don't waste your money on this stuff! We're in a recession!
Let's just all love each other, OK?

 Anything Sharp

Because it's supposed to be bad luck. According to some ancient philosophies knives and sharp objects like scissors and swords send harsh energy and are meant to sever the relationship with the receiver.

We know what you're going to say: It's the thought that counts. But, honestly, it's really not thoughtful to buy your mate a terrible gift—on Valentine's Day or ever. So, please, we beg you, significant others everywhere, don't drop your cash on any of the cutesy-bad or clueless-gross presents we've outlined above. No one wants them. Don't waste your money on this stuff! We're in a recession!
Let's just all love each other, OK?

  

'Romantic' Facebook Gifts

 We know what you're going to say: It's the thought that counts. But, honestly, it's really not thoughtful to buy your mate a terrible gift—on Valentine's Day or ever. So, please, we beg you, significant others everywhere, don't drop your cash on any of the cutesy-bad or clueless-gross presents we've outlined above. No one wants them. Don't waste your money on this stuff! We're in a recession!
Let's just all love each other, OK?

Exercise Gifts

 Even if they're well-intentioned—unless the person you love begged for it—gifts like scales, exercise equipment, workout DVDs, and running shoes can lead to loads of misunderstanding, hurt feelings, and "You think I'm fat!" fights.

We know what you're going to say: It's the thought that counts. But, honestly, it's really not thoughtful to buy your mate a terrible gift—on Valentine's Day or ever. So, please, we beg you, significant others everywhere, don't drop your cash on any of the cutesy-bad or clueless-gross presents we've outlined above. No one wants them. Don't waste your money on this stuff! We're in a recession!
Let's just all love each other, OK?
 

Office Supplies

Remember "Say Anything"? Remember: "I gave her my heart and she gave me a pen"? It's kind of like that.

We know what you're going to say: It's the thought that counts. But, honestly, it's really not thoughtful to buy your mate a terrible gift—on Valentine's Day or ever. So, please, we beg you, significant others everywhere, don't drop your cash on any of the cutesy-bad or clueless-gross presents we've outlined above. No one wants them. Don't waste your money on this stuff! We're in a recession!
Let's just all love each other, OK?

Drugstore Chocolates

Because nothing says "I felt like I had to get you SOMETHING, OKAY?" like a red cellophane-wrapped heart with stale candy inside.

We know what you're going to say: It's the thought that counts. But, honestly, it's really not thoughtful to buy your mate a terrible gift—on Valentine's Day or ever. So, please, we beg you, significant others everywhere, don't drop your cash on any of the cutesy-bad or clueless-gross presents we've outlined above. No one wants them. Don't waste your money on this stuff! We're in a recession!
Let's just all love each other, OK?

Footed Pajamas

Because this is the sleepwear of infants and this night is supposed to be about adult love.

We know what you're going to say: It's the thought that counts. But, honestly, it's really not thoughtful to buy your mate a terrible gift—on Valentine's Day or ever. So, please, we beg you, significant others everywhere, don't drop your cash on any of the cutesy-bad or clueless-gross presents we've outlined above. No one wants them. Don't waste your money on this stuff! We're in a recession!
Let's just all love each other, OK?

Pajamagram's Hoodie-Footie Snuggle Suit For Her

 Because what's more infantilizing than a baby's sleeper? One that's personalized with your name on it. Also, this thing is $99.99!

We know what you're going to say: It's the thought that counts. But, honestly, it's really not thoughtful to buy your mate a terrible gift—on Valentine's Day or ever. So, please, we beg you, significant others everywhere, don't drop your cash on any of the cutesy-bad or clueless-gross presents we've outlined above. No one wants them. Don't waste your money on this stuff! We're in a recession!
Let's just all love each other, OK?

Cashmere Toilet Paper (Made With Real Cashmere!)

...or anything that reminds anyone of what happens in the bathroom.

We know what you're going to say: It's the thought that counts. But, honestly, it's really not thoughtful to buy your mate a terrible gift—on Valentine's Day or ever. So, please, we beg you, significant others everywhere, don't drop your cash on any of the cutesy-bad or clueless-gross presents we've outlined above. No one wants them. Don't waste your money on this stuff! We're in a recession!
Let's just all love each other, OK?

The Worst Valentine's Day Gifts Ever, 2010 Edition