jeudi 12 février 2009

Girl's Best Friend: A Case of V-Day

**This article also appears on RopeofSilicon.com.**

She loves you; she loves you not. Isn't that the silent inquiry of the month? That, and what can you do to MAKE her love you? Roofies are out--that's not love. So is a trip to The Cheesecake Factory--they don't take reservations. You actually can't make her do anything; but if your lady is eying you softly, consider a movie to break the ice. Keep in mind not any movie will do. This is V-Day. Surrender all dignity at the ticket booth on behalf of your maybe-love. And once you do, let this be the one-stop guide to satisfying your girl’s best Valentine's (and helping the inner Cupid in you).


Chocolates, roses, flowers, a private jet, a spa massage. Though they're old standards, in today's economic climate, it's probably difficult to think of treating your lady to all of these. Well, if you can't afford to take her shopping, you can always just take her to see this week's new chick flick, Confessions of a Shopaholic.

Why she might want to see it: A vicarious NYC shopping spree coupled with the chance to vicariously date someone more British than you.

Why you might not: You don't "speak Prada," nor do you plan on taking a class to learn how.

The silver lining: Two hours of your V-Day love treatment are already resolved! No antibiotics required.

Tips for the untrained:
- This flick stars Borat's girlfriend, the feisty redhead from Wedding Crashers, Isla Fisher. Here, she seems to be acting with similar levels of feist, which invariably implies there will be moments of real humor...and moments of slight annoyance. Just prepare yourself. Also keep in mind that she embodies many of the eccentricities ladies try to keep under wraps, so for the most part, we kind of like her.
- Is it just me, or is it easy to confuse Isla Fisher with Amy Adams? I think I've spotted an emerging difference: this time of year, Adams goes critically acclaimed, Isla goes commercial, both tend to shoot and score. So yes, they do both have red hair. But unless you want to get depressed by seeing Doubt again, maybe don't dwell on it.
- If you missed He's Just Not that Into You last week (I'm banking you were dying to see it), consider a femme-friendly double feature this weekend. Then consider learning the differences between Prada and Old Navy.
- Since it is Valentine's, explore the opportunities you have to work this movie into an overall V-Day theme. Gift certificate to her favorite store? Take her dancing? Get her a new, bright pink laptop? Teach her how to use Google? Whatever you do, don't buy her Prada. Because if she likes what you buy...and she probably will...you will be battling the recession much longer than you think.

Valentine's may be a chocolate-coated, Hallmark-constructed phenomenon, but it's allure for men is still there. Whatever you do, however small, will get you noticed. If you're panicking about V-Day, maybe you should wonder why. Are you projecting the panic of your relationship against a calendar? Don't. Times are tough, and it's the simple things that count. Pair a single red rose with movie tickets and add a bottle of champs for good measure, and you're already on your way back from being mediocre just weeks before. Cook her dinner at home, and you've both impressed/amused her and saved yourself the prix-fixe fare at any of your local, upscale eateries.

If you are courting a lady who likes her movies like she likes her men (action-packed and with popcorn), you do have some other options this weekend, such as The International starring Clive Owen. Recall Clive's hotness, however, before you schedule that date. Taken with Liam Neeson is still enjoying favorable buzz, but if fluttering love is the theme du jour, perhaps consider Two Lovers, the Gwyneth Paltrow/Joaquin Phoenix picture that flutters into limited release just in time for you to wonder why you only have one lover. Above all, keep it stress free, and have fun. Chick flicks may be her best friend, but I bet she's into you, too.

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