Why all the work?

[kingclick]

Why is valentines day so one sided? Most advertisements are targeted toward men buying for women. Most women expect something from their men.

It seems to just be another day that women get served while men get the shaft.

Are men SOOOO horrible to live with that our women don't want to do this cool stuff for us?

Father's day is a joke compared to Mother's day.

(And just to let you know....this post is coming from someone who just celebrated his 1000th day married to his wife. A complete surprise. SHE bought me flowers, wrote me poems and just pampered me. It's not coming from a bitter or sour grapes point of view but more of a why are not MORE guys treated with the care and love that I get.)

[Mabel]

It's always been equal at this house.

[Minnie_Beebe]

Give me an F-ing break. I spent my entire marriage buying red tulips to be delivered to his work for Valentines Day. Know what I got?

A big fat NOTHING. So save the poor men sob story.

[GracieMae]

It's always been equal here too.

[kingclick]

MB,
I guess you didn't read this part of my post.

(And just to let you know....this post is coming from someone who just celebrated his 1000th day married to his wife. A complete surprise. SHE bought me flowers, wrote me poems and just pampered me. It's not coming from a bitter or sour grapes point of view but more of a why are not MORE guys treated with the care and love that I get.)

This isn't a poor men sob story. Of course it does seem to me that you are trying to make it a poor MB sob story. It's called a question of debate. If you don't wish to debate, that is fine. But I am interested in what peoples views are on WHY Valentines day seems to just be "Man serving women" in general.

[Mabel]

I think it might be (JUST A GUESS, I'M NO MAN~!) because women desire that type of romance more? I know my husband would (and does!) certainly enjoy a romantic surprise, or flowers, etc. but he doesn't burst into tears like I do, or remember it fondly every day for a month LOL

[Minnie_Beebe]

But I am interested in what peoples views are on WHY Valentines day seems to just be "Man serving women" in general.
I don't see it from your perspective at all. Most things I see advertized are unisex.

[ScorpioQueen]

KL, I've always bought for my SO...this year being no exception with him being gone. And I have usually given more than I've gotten.

But, I agree with Mabel...it seems like more women desire romance than men. It's the macho stereotype.

[kingclick]

Really? Name one "unisex" ad about Valentines day.

Just today I have heard at least 3 specific Valentines day ads aimed at men buying for women.

Flowers for her.
Diamonds for her.
Spa for her.
Take her out to dinner.

[Minnie_Beebe]

Most of the ads I see on the net are unisex. I came upon one on MSN today telling me I should consider a double massage and other pampering for the "both of us."

If I come upon another and I can remember the ad, I'll post it.

[April]

We've only had one V-Day together, but it was completely equal. His gifts to me were more romantic (flowers, out to eat, puppy :D ) and mine were more practical (a paintball helmet, his favorite candy) because men are just hard to buy for on V-Day.

I think its because women have more of a need to feel appreciated than men do, or at least they express it more. Companies that profit from this whole propaganda know this and they feed off of it. I don't like the amount of pressure it puts on men though.

[IdahoMom]

Really? Name one "unisex" ad about Valentines day.

Just today I have heard at least 3 specific Valentines day ads aimed at men buying for women.

Flowers for her.
Diamonds for her.
Spa for her.
Take her out to dinner.

Maybe marketers think that they don't need to remind women that it is Valentine's day. Maybe they feel that the demographic that ISN'T buying enough on Valentine's day is men, so they are targeting that population.

[DiznieB]

and people wonder why I don't celebrate holidays ... :D why only show affection and love and romance ONE DAY out of the year??

Yes, I notice the majority of ads being directed at men to do this or buy that for women. I have to agree it is probably for the reason that women are the ones that like to be romanced while men like to do the romancing.

[RogueAngel]

I think IdahoMom might be on to something here. I see what kinglozer is saying, but I think most of the women with a significant other do put forth extra effort on Valentines Day because well ... we are sappy LoL. Adds target men because well maybe they are ... forgetful? LOL

We think of being romanced often through out the year. I have not run across a man who feels the same way or maybe I should say *thinks* about it. Part of the Mars vs Venus problem? I don't know ... but yes, just to add my 2 cents in here, I do put forth alot of effort on Valentines Day. And actually throughout the whole year, or should I say did before things started going down south LoL.

[mom2burgess]

It's always equal here too. We usually do cards, a small gift and we go out to dinner

[kingclick]

Maybe marketers think that they don't need to remind women that it is Valentine's day. Maybe they feel that the demographic that ISN'T buying enough on Valentine's day is men, so they are targeting that population.

Well that is a VERY good point, and probably very true. See I knew you ladies weren't all just bitter angry man haters!! LOL

[Epicurus]

I don't know how men survive being white males in a white male society! :p The discrimination is everywhere it seems!
In my house we both do for each other. Valentines day is my 17th year anniversary and we are going out to dinner. I am making him a homemade valentine/anniversary card and I don't know if he is giving me a gift or not. Money is tight right now with having just bought a new house and all. If he tells me he loves me and looks like he means it I am happy:) I suspect some hanky panky will be his gift. He will use any excuse to get some
I don't watch much TV these days and I don't watch any commercials so I am unaware of the advertising schemes of late.

Collette

[emilina]

A lot of people I know are inequitable in the present distribution area. In fact, one woman I know has never gotten her husband an anniversary present because their son was born on that day and "she gave him a son, what more does he need?" DH and I both are pretty equal when it comes to gift-giving.