The evolutionary importance of Valentines Day.

Men and women view Valentines Day differently, and there is an evolutionary story that can be told to explain this:

In days gone by, when we lived in a hunter-gatherer society, men and woman had clearly defined roles. Men provided all the protection from potential threat and woman bore and raised children. What each brought to the table in the relationship was also predefined and agreed upon, in the most literal sense.

Men would go out and 9 out of 10 day would return without any food. Woman on the other hand would go out everyday, collecting wood, berries, herbs. Everyday the woman would bring back something, no matter how small. When the men did return with a catch, although not as frequent, it was large, significant and everyone was impressed.

Men were able to let external factor dictate their hunting regime. If the longest day of the year arrived and it was raining, the men would stay inside. There would be no point in going hunting to day; all the food would be hiding away from the rain. For woman this was not so. If the longest day of the year came and it was raining, woman would still have to go and gather what they could. The berries would still be there.

And so the way men and women learned to think was different. Women learned to give value to small things, which were to happen at a fixed point in time, regardless of and outside influences. For men, the larger the offering, the more value it was given, and the timing of events could be altered to maximize its potential value.

Now to Valentines Day…

Women:

Valentines Day is on 14^th Feb and should be celebrated on that day.

A card will be enough to impress her - this is a must!

A single rose or £3 bunch of flowers is enough.

Men:

Valentines Day can be celebrated either the weekend before or after 14^th Feb.

The larger and more expensive gesture, the more impressed she will be.

A card is not necessary - this is not true.

Tips for lovers:

For her: If Valentines Day falls on a week day let him make pans for the weekend after, he will feel that he can ‘go all out’ and treat you to something extra special.

For him: If you must defer Valentines Day to a later date, make sure you at least send her a card on 14^th Feb and if possible give her a single flower every day leading up to the big event.