Valentine’s Day

Published 10:28 am Monday, February 9, 2026

Hey guys—and by guys, I mean the male of our species! By the time you read this, Valentine’s Day is just about here—and if I’m even halfway correct, many of you need help.

You may have seen the chick flick, “Hitch,” with Will Smith as the main character. In the movie, Will is a “date doctor.” If you can’t get a date, he will coach you.

While the movie is fictional, some men really do need that kind of help. But not this guy. No, I have always been a chick magnet. Yes, I am humble about that.

Part of my appeal is that I know how to do Valentine’s Day right! If you think I’m kidding, just ask my wife. I typically do the 14 Days of Valentines. I start on Feb. 1, and every day until Feb. 14, my wife receives a gift. It may be supplies for her office. It might be a set of pajamas. It could be a bottle of her favorite perfume. One day might be flowers. And typically, the most expensive gift is reserved for the last day.

Fourteen Days of Valentine—inspired by the 12 Days of Christmas.

Trust me, you won’t need a date doctor with my routine! And you don’t have to be extravagant. Like Momma always said, it’s the thought that counts. But a word of advice. You can’t look at your significant other and say, “I thought about giving you a gift.” Trust me again. That’ll backfire every time!

I may be a chick magnet, but I had to work at it. My childhood nickname was Butch. I still have family and friends who call me by that name. Butch is a derivative of Bubba. That’s what I am at heart, a good ole boy who has mastered a bit of couth and a touch of romanticism.

I’m even a poet. Here’s an example I once shared with my spouse: “Roses are red. Violets are blue. My truck is pretty, and so are you.”

Don’t be jealous. In the spirit of generosity, I am willing to help you up your romance game. When I do, your significant other will sit up and take notice, hopefully in a good way. There is always the chance you might misread the situation, but even then, you can learn from your mistakes.

It’s too late for 14 Days of Valentine’s, but you still have time to be thoughtful and careful. Another word of advice: as much as you might think it’s a good gift, do not, I repeat, do not buy your wife a mop, broom, or a vacuum! For whatever reason, the female variant of our species does not see love in such a present. Heed my warning: nobody needs eye daggers from your wife or her friends.

Unfortunately, even an expert like me can mess up from time to time. In my case, the North Mississippi Ice Storm put a damper on this Valentine’s season. However, all is not lost. There is still time. I know exactly what to order from Chick-fil-A!

If all fails, you can quote Solomon: “You are absolutely beautiful, my darling; there is no imperfection in you.”

Happy Valentine’s Day to all!