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Since tomorrow is Valentine’s Day (sound of agonized screaming from all those guys out there who, er, forgot), I thought a little story might help get you in the mood.

During the first year of our marriage, Mrs. MZM and I attended a Newlyweds class during the Sunday morning Bible study hour at our church. In keeping with tradition, when Valentine’s Day rolled around, they organized a banquet for our rather large group (it was a very large church).

This particular year it promised to be quite a shindig. We had a great meal lined up, live entertainment, and beautiful decorations, including about a million red, pink and white balloons (and I should know; I helped inflate them!)

As preparation for the banquet, though, everybody was asked to submit an illustration of the “most romantic thing” our mates did for us while on our honeymoons. The idea was to read the entries at our banquet and then vote on the best one. The winner would be rewarded with a romantic weekend getaway at a local posh hotel.

Well, the banquet was a smashing success. The food was wonderful, the desserts suitably decadent. The fabulous decorations (Mrs. MZM helped with that) and lively entertainment really made the evening a fun time for all.

But finally it was time to hear what shining examples of romanticism our class members had contributed. (To be honest, I was really looking forward to picking up a few tips – something that might be useful in future years.)

Oh, there were all the usual things – flowers, carriage rides through the park, romantic dinners, moonlight walks on the beach, etc. But there was one that really stood out; a contribution from one of the wives. I’m tellin’ ya; it was a real doozy – and unanimously chosen as the winner.

Want to know what she considered to be the most romantic thing her husband did during their honeymoon?

When she had to “go”, he sat on the toilet seat and warmed it up for her!

Well, when that one was read, there were a few seconds of absolute dead silence (during which time you could have heard an ant walking). Then every jaw in the place dropped straight to the floor (I wouldn’t have been surprised if we had registered a 5.5 on the Richter scale!) We got to our feet en masse and began to applaud the somewhat embarrassed hero of the day. Talk about a show-stopper!

Well, after 25 years of marriage to the most Wonderful Woman in the World, a lot of water has flowed under the bridge. And yes, I’ve been asked a time or two for relationship advice; something I’m more than happy to share. (Admittedly, I’m nowhere near perfect *sigh*. To quote one fellow: Lemme tell you everything I know about women: Nothin’!)

But somewhere along the way I almost always relate this story because I’ve never heard a better example of out-of-the-box thinking when it comes to romance. After all these years, I’ve never heard of anything that can top it.

About the only thing I can add is: Gentlemen, go thou and do likewise.

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