Most women think men are opposed to Valentine’s Day because of the romance and the money-spending, but this is not always the case. Some men see Valentine’s Day as an excuse to step out of their comfort zone and do something new and special.
“They can take the risk of being a hopeless romantic and express emotional vulnerability,” said Dr. Guy Grimes, Christian ministry lecturer and expert in the area of relationships.
Although Valentine’s Day is often thought of as a holiday for women to receive anything from chocolate to flowers, Grimes insists it is an opportunity for men to take risks as well.
Relationship status does play some role in men’s feelings toward the holiday, but not in a negative way.
“Valentine’s Day is a good way for guys to impress their girlfriends and an excuse for single, non-romantic guys to branch out,” said freshman Robbie Hadobas.
Even the men who are currently in relationships are supporting the single men on this special day.
Hamza Malik, senior criminal justice major, who is in a relationship, said, “It gives single people an opportunity to ask someone out or ‘woo’ a girl to impress her.”
Valentine’s Day is not just a holiday for those who are in love.
“There are at least three levels to consider,” Grimes said. “First, many men will use Valentine’s Day as the opportunity to express interest in a woman for the first time. The second level would be when a man utilizes Valentine’s Day to take an established relationship and (propose marriage). The third level is for the committed or married man to affirm the love that they have in their life.”
Hadobas and Malik have varying outlooks on if they feel most men would agree with their opinions about Valentine’s Day, they had slightly different answers.
“At CBU, yes, but overall, no,” Hadobas said.
Malik disagreed.
“No, because most guys look at Valentine’s Day as a holiday for couples and are bitter,” he said.
For the men feeling timid to act on Valentine’s Day because of finances, Grimes suggests they Google “50 Ways to Be Romantic on the Cheap.”
Men’s feelings toward this special day vary from case to case. Overall, men’s opinions of Valentine’s Day seems to be unanimously positive.
