Recently, I was going through boxes of my mama’s old photographs when I found all the valentines she had tucked away from years gone by. Most of them were from my daddy, her sweetheart, all of them signed in his slanted, familiar handwriting –“Love, Jimmy.”
I wonder where all his valentines were kept hidden, or do men long for valentines at all? Socks and neckties? Surely men want more, I thought, so I asked a few famous guys what would make their hearts beat a bit faster on Valentine’s Day.
“A homemade dinner of my favorite things: filet with Cabernet mushroom sauce, asparagus and mashed potatoes. Maybe creme brulee for dessert and a great bottle of wine (1988 Caymus Cabernet Savignon).” That’s what Hilton Hollis, Mississippi-reared New York fashion designer would love from his valentine, and it sure as heck beats underwear.
Ever felt the pressure to come up with the perfect gift for the man who has it all? Christopher Radko, for example, might be known as the international “Czar of Christmas,” but his take on what to get the man in your life will delight you. “Men want full frontal freedom. Freedom from any judgment and fear, to express themselves creatively and joyfully. Men long to be seen, heard and understood fully, and encouraged. That’s the best and most meaningful gift you can ever get from your own true love,” says Christopher. Put that in a snow globe!
And then there’s Mississippi’s iconic Inky the Clown. All he wants is a set of training wheels for his unicycle. Now, that doesn’t sound like too much to ask. The verdict is in. Guys do want to be remembered on Valentine’s Day, and now you have some ideas to add to your own. As for me, I’ll just take the chocolates if anyone is listening!
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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