Inside a Male Valentine’s Mind

Now, as a reader, even I would wonder: why is Neha focusing only on the ‘negatives/harsh reality’ of a nice day  (i.e., Valentine’s Day)? Well, same here, mate. As a writer, I’m wondering the same thing while typing this out. But you know what? Reality is something many of us try to run away from, and it’s okay to do that sometimes. Today though, how about we hear the men out for once? I remember, a while back, when I was searching for content to write about, I came across an article that mentioned ‘Malentines’, it’s just like ‘Galentines,’ but for men.

Isn’t that such a cute and cool concept? So, this 12th February 2025, make sure to take some time off with your ‘bros’ (or whatever you call your friends) and spend the day with them! But as we approach the final D-Day (i.e., 14th February), I can’t help but wonder what a man must be feeling right now. Oh dear men, before you rush off today to buy the cutest teddy ever for your partner, do you take at least 10-15 minutes today to sit with your thoughts? Maybe, just maybe, I can help you with that—via this blog post.

So on this random Monday (10th of February, 2025). Me and my very own talented cameraman (Mr. Pixel Pandey) are going around today (fake) interviewing ‘the hopeless romantics’—and yes, we're looking at you, gentlemen!". As we are approaching forward, we both have our eyes set on this person sitting on a park bench, looking rather confused and irritated. 

Neha: Hello, I’m Neha, and this is my cameraman, Pixel Pandey. We’re on a mission to decode the reality of a man’s mind on Valentine’s Day. Are you ready to represent all the men out there?

Thesad: Sure thing! My name’s “Thesad Dude”, and I’m trying to give my partner the perfect Valentine’s week. But as you can see I'm stressed, but I’m up for a chat! How does this work?

Neha: Thanks, Thesad! We'll keep it casual and brief. Let’s start with some basic questions!

(Pixel Pandey gets the camera ready)

Thesad:
"Let’s do it!

Neha: Thesad, we noticed your frown from afar. How’s your Valentine’s week going?

Thesad: I wasn’t exactly frowning, but today was "Teddy Day". As I handed my partner the teddy bear, I found myself lost in thought, questioning why am I doing this. Is it because society pressures us during Valentine’s week, or is it because I genuinely love my partner and am willing to go to any length to show that love? The difference between the two is a lot more significant than it seems.

Neha: Ouch - that’s some heavy thinking there. Why do you feeel this way?

Thesad: Well, it’s not just about the teddy day. It’s about the whole Valentine’s week. Society somehow expects us to celebrate every little milestone, whether it’s Valentine’s, birthdays, anniversaries, you name it. The pressure to always be the perfect boyfriend and meet these expectations can be overwhelming. But when we do talk about it, it feels like we’re seen as weak or incapable of handling simple things. In the end, I just don’t want to upset anyone. It’s like this constant balancing act between doing what’s expected and what I actually want to do.

Neha: Wow, never really looked at this aspect of valentine’s week. The pressure is real for all of us Thesad, but yes no one talks about it. What else do you think can be a major factor in terms of this pressure ?

Thesad: Ahh well yes, I do remember the other day. While watching reels on my Instagram, I saw a lot of content circling around how some men who would go all out to impress their partners. This is for sure a lovely idea for grand gestures, but these gestures also somehow become competition with others or with ourselves. There's this unspoken pressure to outdo, always to go bigger constantly. But one thing that gets to me is that no one talks about the stress behind it!ow draining it can be to always feel like we have to top the last big gesture just to meet those expectations. These expectations are again followed by feelings of anxiety, and extensive sadness in me or men in general.

Pixel Pandey: Well, you are right, which is why I have told my partner that this day is a ‘Capitalist’s trap’ and we refuse to participate in it!  

Thesad: That is true, I suppose! But well, apart from all of these pressures, I do think, V-Day is a beautiful day to celebrate. Sometimes, we’re so focused on making sure our partners feel special, that we forget that we’re human too, with our vulnerabilities and struggles. Valentine’s Day isn’t just about grand gestures,it’s about genuine connection, no matter how big or small. It’s about knowing that, even when we mess up or don’t live up to our expectations, we’re still trying our best to show love in the way we know how. And one last thing is that, would it be ok if we men also get to celebrate Valentine’s? I mean in a way, show us the same love I suppose? 

Neha:  For sure Thesad, I feel in this year of 2025, it is high time that we in a way reverse or even lessen down the pressure of  “gender norms” especially which rises even more during such holidays ! But thank you so much for voicing your opinions   and emotions. Genuinely appreciate your efforts to express your vulnerability ! And well, happy Valentine's day to everyone celebrating !