What He Really Wants on V-Day

Plenty of the men insisted that the holiday is all about pleasing the ladies in their lives. I want what ever she wants, says Jason, 29. If that's an expensive dinner and going to see Wicked for the ninth time, then fine. If it's having dinner in and watching The Notebook, that's fine, too.

It's not that men are anti-love, but they are anti-hoopla. It's such a hassle to get reservations, and every place is so crowded on the actual day, says Adam, 36. We usually go out Feb. 13, since that's the anniversary of our first date!

Many guys we talked to said they'd prefer to perform an over-the-top romantic gesture for the women in their lives in the spur of the moment, or on an unexpected day—not for a completely made-up Hallmark holiday, says John, 30. In short, they want to woo you—just not under pressure.

My ideal Valentine's Day is just a chill night at home with my fiancée, says John. We can cook dinner together, light some candles, pop a bottle of wine, hit the hot tub and just enjoy each other's company. And then maybe we can enjoy each other's company again the next morning.

Speaking of enjoying each other's company, men (not surprisingly!) wouldn't mind being rewarded with a little between-the-sheets time on Valentine's Day. I'm all for gifts and surprises and romance, says Brian, 26. But at the end of the night, I want my girl to take charge and help in making it a night to remember. Jerry, 29, adds that he wouldn't mind getting a coupon book of sexy favors that could be swapped throughout the night.

When it comes to gifts, guys could go either way. Dan, 30, said that he prefers not to swap expensive presents with his fiancée. We usually go to a steak dinner, split the bill and see a show or a movie, he says. And then I eat the entirety of the token box of chocolates I give her. But if you need some ideas for your guy, then take a tip from Alejandro, 26, and just give him something he's guaranteed to like. If she wants to buy me a gift, a classy bottle of whiskey is the way to my heart, he says.