The Polite One's Insights

Skip the Typical Chick Flicks This V’Day  What are you planning for the most romantic day of the year?   Instead of going out for dinner and a movie, how about staying in?   Cook a romantic dinner and watch a movie for just you two.  During pandemic years, this is our best bet anyway!    For this evening, let’s consider three romantic movies of the ‘80s that both men and women might enjoy.  The Princess Bride  (1987) with Cary Elwes and Robin Wright   Lying in bed with a cold, the little boy’s grandfather begins telling a story.  After the first few sentences of the book, the little one sighs, “Ah no, is this going to be a kissing book?”    Intelligent and with perfect comedic timing, this story pokes fun at love stories and fairy tales, all the while unfolding an endearing love story.   It’s this back and forth between, love, action, and betrayal – wit...

  Good Idea Or Not?    With the state of the economy, coupon clipping is becoming a national sport.  It seems a natural evolution due to our need to purchase items we want at the lowest price point possible.   This need is evident by the rapid popularity of coupons-for-everything websites like  Groupon .  Since coupon usage seems commonplace, using a coupon to pay for dinner appears a smart move.  However, it just may not be such a great idea when it applies to  the date .    Frankly, using a coupon while on a date is not an etiquette faux pas.  Logically, a coupon or gift certificate is as good as cash.  Nevertheless, as we all know, perception is everything.  Moreover, on a first date, and even the first few dates, both parties are sizing each other up.  Who is this person? What are his/her quirks?  Do I even like his/her appearance?  ...

Answers based on a survey of 100+ respondents Survival Guide for Men Let's face it.   Valentine's Day is a perilous day for men.   She may be optimistic with high expectations and you cannot get it right.   Sigh.   I agree that it's just not fair, and also that Valentine's Day shouldn’t be only about opening a wallet.    With that in mind, here’s a short tutorial on women that might help you stay out of the doghouse and wow that special person in your life this February 14.   Understanding the Double X Consider why women tend to like " Chic Flicks .” It’s all about romance, baby.   Many women crave a partner who make them feel special and loved.    Give her romance and your ladylove will be impressed.     Appeal to this side of her and your evening may just involve more than just a peck on the check.   Train for the evening by watching a few of her favorite girly films to gain perspective of what she might apprec...

  Are you ready for Valentine's Day? Just for kicks and giggles, I decided to compare opinions about dating with different age groups.  Remarkably, the expectations of each group surprised me, especially with the young.  Buckle up.  This just may surprise you too! Questions Asked: " What was your best date and why ?" The age groups were varied: teens (12-17); 20 to 30-year-olds; and 50+. My expectations: youngest to focus on kissing; 20 to 30-year-olds to focus on Valentine gifts, and oldsters focus on potential relationship material.   Uh... not so much.   Surprisingly, all focused on becoming comfortable with their date, communicating, treating, or being treated as special, and FUN.   What does this mean for all of us? In my opinion, the survey results reveal that expensive gifts and dinners are unnecessary to impress our love.   Our love interest appears to be more interested in being heard and understood.   They yearn to be he...