A friend of mine sent me a link from a popular women’s magazine last week – how to romance your man. I read the article and couldn’t help but notice all the links to other related articles on how to please your man. Instead of feeling all inspired on what nice thing I could do for / cook for / wear for my man I became increasingly annoyed. Don’t we as women already do enough for the men in our lives? Isn’t the pain of having my legs waxed regularly enough? Do we really need more advice on the topic? I can’t say that I’ve actually read many magazines for men, but somehow I don’t think they are full of advice on how to improve themselves and romance the women in their lives.
My ideas of romance have shifted as I have aged. Sure, I like flowers – especially when they aren’t given for an occasion but “just because”. Who doesn’t like flowers? But my requirements for what will get me all warm and gooey inside have really changed. Let me share a few of them with you.
1) I want a man who will help with the cooking and / or dinner clean up at night WITHOUT being asked and WITHOUT expecting something in return as soon as the kids are put to bed;
2) I want a man who will assist with bathing / dressing / reading stories to kids WITHOUT being asked and WITHOUT expecting something in return as soon as the kids are put to bed;
3) I want a man who is willing to snuggle and rub my shoulders WITHOUT being asked and WITHOUT expecting something in return as soon as the kids are put to bed;
4) I want a man who will remember the important dates in our lives WITHOUT being reminded and who can come up with thoughtful gifts WITHOUT an illustrated list and a map to the store;
5) I want a man who will wear uncomfortable underwear because I think it looks sexy on him 
I’m getting hot just thinking about the possibility of any of this ever happening, LOL.
Maybe I’m asking too much though. I think it’s the “without” clauses that trip most men up. If I can manage to drop enough hints to score some flowers on Valentine’s Day I’ll let you know.
How about a guy who not only knows where the vacuum resides, but isn’t afraid to use it?
Comprehends the mystical nuances of laundry?
Perhaps Special Favors in exchange for successfully replacing the toilet paper roll would encourage said task?
“If you help with dishes, I’ll wear that……”
They seem to understand negotiation, though at times, not much else.
by Susan January 28th, 2007 at 12:43 pm