What comes to mind when you think of romance, love, and Valentine’s Day? Probably these things:
Notice that the things we associate with love, romance, and Valentine’s Day are also things that, stereotypically, are dug by chicks. That is, they’re associated with femininity. Francesca Cancian, who writes on love, talks about this feminization of love. Why are only things recognized as feminine considered to be about love? Have you ever known someone who was, perhaps, uncomfortable expressing love in the culturally-sanctioned ways, but managed to express love in many other ways? Some people may express their love by cleaning house or washing your car, but most of us are trained to be blind to this kind of expression. A woman feel dissatisfied if their partners don’t, also, occasionally bring flowers or take her out to a fancy dinner. If someone expresses love with masculine behaviors, is it invisible to us?
Also in Valentine’s Day: Steak and a Blow Job Day (a day for dudes).
(Images borrowed from here, here, here, here, and here.)
