02/03/2025
A season for you
Valentine's Day is on us again.
Let's get it right!
First of all, a little chat about Gift Theory.
Gifts, especially Valentine's Day gifts, are kind of transactional. They are supposed to produce a desired effect. Sometimes there are multiple effects, sometimes a cascade of effects.
Now, if you give chocolate and flowers, what's the result? She feels you've done your duty... but that's about it.
The flowers may be pretty, but they'll end up in the compost bucket. The chocolate will be savored... and then probably cursed for the calories. End of story.
Now consider what happens when you give a pashmina shawl.
She sees it. BANG! What a surprise!! Definitely not the usual valentine's gift! (Score.)
Then there is the conversation. What exactly is it? Where did you get it?? How do I wear it??? How did you know what color I wanted??? (Score!!)
And you tell her, "Hey, I called the owner and if it's not the right color, or you prefer a different weave, or whatever, you can just exchange it, no problem. (How thoughtful are you?!!)
Then she feels it, and is completely blown away. It feels scrumptious. Luscious. Cuddly. Ambrosial. (Score!!!)
She puts it on. Elegant! Refulgent! Rapturous! Seductive!!
She wants to show it off. The ladies at work are gobsmacked. They want to feel it, try it on, google how much it costs. They are so jealous that her Other (that's you!) had so much insight into a woman's heart.
Okay, okay, maybe you're not ready for a commitment. So you toss in some chocolate truffles, just to show you're a little conventional and want to cover all your bases. She'll respect that.
But... what if it's only chocolate and roses???
Ladies, this is the 21st century. You can buy your own Valentine's pash.
Next year he'll know better.