Latoya Grindley, Staff Reporter

Roses, teddy bears, chocolates, and fine jewellery are top gifts for Valentine's Day. These items are the usual go-to choices for men when buying gifts for their significant other.

But with the day generally being regarded as the day of love for giving and receiving, there are some men who are crying foul. According to them, Valentine's Day is generally for women and just the way it is promoted reflects this.

For Marvin Brown, Valentine's Day is just like any other day and he is usually the one giving the gifts. He explains that while he is not big on the day, women tend to make it a big deal, but only for themselves.

"I can't recall ever getting a gift, but women are expecting. I will give my girlfriend a gift, just because I know she is expecting one. Women are emotional and if you don't give them a gift then you will not hear the end," he noted.

These high expectations, according to Brown are really dictated by society and the day is celebrated mostly by women.

"I think it is just how the day is really promoted and so women expect something. And then when she hears that her friends are getting things, she just wants to be a part of the in crowd as well."

In an informal survey with 15 men recently to find out the most romantic gift or gesture that they have received on Valentine's Day, 90 per cent said nothing!

In fact, for the majority, the only thing that could come to mind is sex. And while this is certainly appreciated, the fact is, this is not anything new for them.

" Women feel like it is just a day for them and in return they just give you sex as their gift to you, which is really nothing new," said Anthony Hill.

While they claim not to be complaining about receiving sex, they say unlike them, the women seem not to put as much thought into the day.

"Sex and dressing up in a nice lingerie is really what I come to expect from my girlfriend. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy it, but I just think that more can be done if you are to look on the day more fairly," expressed Jovane Phillip.

He continued, "Would it be okay if on the day, I decide that the day would just be about sex? I don't think so because along with the sex, I am sure she would be expecting something else."

*Names changed

latoya.grindley@gleanerjm.com