V-day vs W-day

[Martyshk 137]

I've heard of March 8th being celebrated as an international day for women's rights in other countries, but as far as I know, the whole kind of-Valentines Day thing is restricted to the FSU. And Defenders of the Fatherland is basically meant to serve the same purpose, and I don't really see why it matters whether something is "international" or not; you're celebrating the March 8th holiday because you're with someone from the RUB, not because you're an ardent supporter of the original ideals behind the holiday, which as far as RUB goes are long forgotten.

But this goes along with the: "U iz in Ameikuhz nao", celebrate our holidays only!!!

Which, well, is just not going to work. I've been here 10 years, and my family still doesn't celebrate Mother's/Father's days or Thanksgiving in a sense that Americans do. March 8th is still intact though, after all this years.

[baron555 934]

Well for me (and us):

Valentine's Day is the anniversary of when we first met in person. After that date both our lives changed for the better.

Women's Day gives me another chance, besides every day, to surprise and spoil my beloved.

If any man feels forced to obligate their woman on these days, then I'd question the state of their relationship.

AND, I don't need to spend a lot of money (to surprise and spoil her).

Edited February 11, 2010 by baron555

[SMR 368]

I've heard of March 8th being celebrated as an international day for women's rights in other countries, but as far as I know, the whole kind of-Valentines Day thing is restricted to the FSU. And Defenders of the Fatherland is basically meant to serve the same purpose, and I don't really see why it matters whether something is "international" or not; you're celebrating the March 8th holiday because you're with someone from the RUB, not because you're an ardent supporter of the original ideals behind the holiday, which as far as RUB goes are long forgotten.

I'm not trying to support the claim that we shouldn't celebrate foreign holidays in America. It's just that when I was in Russia, I felt a little weird when people would give me a present on February 23rd, since I have never served in any military, let alone the Russian military. I don't know that an American man should really expect a present on February 23rd.

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

I tend to resist anything that stems or seems to stem from communism or socialism. International Women's Day is a Soviet Union relict and not celebrated in the west, and there is no International Men's Day to make it worse.

My wife seems most pleased with money for any celebrations which shows her pragmatism. I do buy flowers for certain non required gift giving occasions such as when she returns from Russian after a visit or just for the hell of it. She does not like roses as they don't last long.

We are like the consulate and celebrate all holidays for either country. We like holidays.

[clueless_in_usa 8]

Well for me (and us):

Valentine's Day is the anniversary of when we first met in person. After that date both our lives changed for the better.

Women's Day gives me another chance, besides every day, to surprise and spoil my beloved.

If any man feels forced to obligate their woman on these days, then I'd question the state of their relationship.

AND, I don't need to spend a lot of money (to surprise and spoil her).

The spoil word is the one that gets me. Why do I have to do much more just because is V-day and/or W-day?

Isn't it enough of "spoiling" ALL that I do for her everyday of the year?

And please, do not say that all those things are things that I HAVE to do.

[eekee 182]

I'm not trying to support the claim that we shouldn't celebrate foreign holidays in America. It's just that when I was in Russia, I felt a little weird when people would give me a present on February 23rd, since I have never served in any military, let alone the Russian military. I don't know that an American man should really expect a present on February 23rd.

Neither have many Russian men, considering that it's something that they try to avoid if at all possible. Really, the military has 80 zillion separate holidays (Paratroopers Day, etc.). I don't think, like with March 8th, that whether someone really served or not is the point.

Edited February 11, 2010 by eekee

[slim 1,525]

Why do I have to do much more just because is V-day and/or W-day?

Isn't it enough of "spoiling" ALL that I do for her everyday of the year?

I take this same approach, but believe it or not, my wife prefers flowers over heat, electricity, cell phone, etc. When she asks why she didn't get a gift on New Years or her birthday or something like that I try to explain to her how every day is like a gift. "You're warm, aren't you? You're welcome. See ya next year."

[baron555 934]

Isn't it enough of "spoiling" ALL that I do for her everyday of the year?

I would surmise that for you, yes you do enough spoiling of her every day than for any expectation or perception to do something extra.

Meant in jest; as your screen name states..............

[dakay ♥ 10]

The spoil word is the one that gets me. Why do I have to do much more just because is V-day and/or W-day?

Isn't it enough of "spoiling" ALL that I do for her everyday of the year?

She will appreciate even a love note, you do not need much money to make her feel more special than other days, and you'll win points

[Oksana81 0]

I take this same approach, but believe it or not, my wife prefers flowers over heat, electricity, cell phone, etc. When she asks why she didn't get a gift on New Years or her birthday or something like that I try to explain to her how every day is like a gift. "You're warm, aren't you? You're welcome. See ya next year."

wow, I feel bad for your wife.

[slim 1,525]

wow, I feel bad for your wife.

I've tried, ad nauseum, to explain how any money contributed to payment of shared monthly expenses directly translates to "extra money" for things like flowers, gifts, trips, etc.

[Martyshk 137]

wow, I feel bad for your wife.

I have a feeling she's liking the "abuse"

[visaveteran 1]

I have a feeling she's liking the "abuse"

Maybe Valentine's Day once meant something, but for me it has become a silly excuse for a holiday. "Oh my, what a surprise, flowers and candy!"

As for celebrating Int. Woman's Day, it's a Soviet/communist holiday and I will not salute my old enemy. Maybe for some it has become a harmless tradition, but I don't surrender my history and values to briefly please my wife. I am not a Russo-centric husband.

But, none of this is an issue for my wife because I prefer to surprise her with gifts and money offerings when she does not expect it. As Sean Connery states in the movie, "Finding Forrester," the key to making a woman happy is "an unexpected gift at an unexpected time."

[Martyshk 137]

As for celebrating Int. Woman's Day, it's a Soviet/communist holiday and I will not salute my old enemy.

Yet you married one.....how effed up is THAT!

God I hope the generation with that mentality dies out soon. Take it at a face value or not, but I wish it for both countries. Because this is a borderline retarded way to look at things, yet, it's how people used to live. Scary sh!t.

[Brad and Vika 129]

Yet you married one.....how effed up is THAT!

God I hope the generation with that mentality dies out soon. Take it at a face value or not, but I wish it for both countries. Because this is a borderline retarded way to look at things, yet, it's how people used to live. Scary sh!t.

So "kill a commie for mommie" just doesn't resonate for you I guess

To the OP, seriously, both days.