1. Gift cards (We like choices) 2. Prepaid cleaning services 3. Spa day (Facials/Massage) 4. Perfume (Make sure you know her favorite brands) 5. Creating a coupon book for her to tell you what she would like (Inexpensive & thoughtful) 6. Romantic walks in the park / Picnic 7. Free events taking place in your city (Budget-friendly) 8. Concert tickets for a favorite artist 9. Hair/Nails 10. Acts of service (What can you take off of her plate?) 11. Jumpstart her education by paying for a class at Seminole State College 12. Quality time with her doing what she likes (that’s huge!) 13. 1-2 hours of candid conversation (All the honesty, none of the anger) 14. Alone time for both of you (Enjoy your mancave time!) If anyone was going to spend money on you for Valentine’s Day, is there a cap on what you feel they should spend? » My love language is not gifts so you could spend $10k on something for me, and I would not be impressed. I think the dollar amount should be aligned with love language. » No. As long as it’s thoughtful and I know that you care for me or know that I like something and you got it for me, that’s what matters. While I’m not particular about the price, no matter how thoughtful, there are just some things that I don’t want. » I don’t have an amount. Knowing that my family is good, and we are happy is priceless for me. 14 things men can gift on Valentine’s Day
» As a mother of five, a perfect Valentine’s Day for me would be for my family (husband included) to give me some free time to do the things I love, like reading, journaling, and meditating. My husband wouldn’t be opposed to that either because he likes to go down to his man cave and watch loud, violent movies or play video games. That would be the perfect evening for both of us! What does Valentine’s Day mean to you? » I think it’s a day where you think more about loving yourself and those around you and trying to take that extra step to make it known, but I have learned through my life, that first, you need to love yourself. Secondly, you need to set boundaries, and lastly, you may have to teach others how you would like to be shown love. » I consider Valentine’s Day to be a man-made holiday that is focused on marketing and boosting the economy. » I believe that showing love and care to our friends and family should not be limited to a single day but should be practiced throughout the year. However, I also acknowledge the importance of Valentine’s Day, as it provides an opportunity for those who may not have received love or affection before to feel appreciated. » To me, it’s just another day that I feel is for younger folks trying to establish themselves in relationships. But when you have been in one for a longer time, you have Valentine’s Day every day. » It’s a normal day of love, but my family and I have made it a special day to go out of our way to show the people we love acts of kindness and grace. I avoid social media, so I don’t have to see all of the consumerism. Do you have any love tips you would like to share with the men? » Take the time to think about the woman you love and be clear on what would make her happy. Put some thought into how you want to show her you love her. Don’t just check a box. » Be honest. You don’t give us enough credit to be able to handle the truth. We aren’t that fragile; just tell us the truth, and we can process it from there.
» If you are unsure, ASK. While many of us love a good surprise, we don’t want to receive treatment or things that are not our desire. Asking is ok, and a show of love. NOTE: If you ask, please get it. » Be intentional. When purchasing a card to express your love for the woman in your life, take the time to ensure that the card is accurate. » Be loving and kind to your daughters because you set the standard for how they will expect a man to treat them. Love for us starts there. What do you see Black men doing well so that we can let them know we appreciate them? » Black men are resilient considering all that they have to deal with in this world and from women who have been hurt and may project anger at them. » I love that our Black men are now taking care of their mental health, and it’s no longer a taboo subject. Saying that you are not ok is a beautiful thing, and seeing a therapist is being proactive with your well-being and mental health. I love that we are normalizing that. » I think it’s awesome that Black men are being more vulnerable with us. It is not only wonderful for them; it will create a new generation of men who will be comfortable doing so as well. » The common thread here is we are applauding them for taking better care of themselves overall, whether through mental health, being vulnerable, or going to the doctor. Please read that again. Go to the doctor. We want you around for as long as we can have you.
Look for Black Men Talking About Love, Part 3 in our next issue! Let us know what you think about this article at info@ radiantlyblack.com and Register now to get your very own FREE copy of our Winter issue, radiantlyblack.com/ register.
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