There’s nothing worse than being unoriginal
Friday I had the weirdest conversation with a Russian guy at the gym. An older Russian guy. With a thick accent. Keep in mind, I have never seen him before and this was our first conversation:
Old Russian Guy: How’s it going today?
Me: Not too bad, you?
Old Russian Guy: Not too bad considering.
Me: . . .
Old Russian Guy: I was reading on my homepage this morning, something very interesing.
(Pause for about two minutes)
Old Russian Guy: There was a quote that said “Wonders are many, and none is more wonderful as you”.
Me: Ok.
He then asks me what I think about the quote. Saying that he was going to write that on a card along with flowers to a girl he is admiring. It took me a minute to figure out what the quote exactly meant. I think whoever wrote it meant that, out of all the wonders he or she has- their favorite thing to wonder about is this other person.
Ok, that fits. I guess? I mean I really don’t know. I think it’s corny as shit honestly. I think he’s reaching a bit. Or maybe I’m just not a true romantic, I’m not sure. I’m really not sure how thats romantic. Sending someone else’s words to someone else seems cliche and also totally unoriginal to me. Everyone sends flowers and anyone can look up corny quotes on the interweb. Big deal.
Do something original. Send her something she would like more than flowers (unless she’s really into flowers I guess). Send her something more personalized. Attach a note with an inside joke- something only you and her laugh about or you know, something ridiculous that you know she would appreciate. Put some actual fucking thought and effort into it.
Or maybe I have this wrong?
Maybe corny, old fashioned romantic is the way to go?
February 2nd, 2009 at 12:33 am
[...] another note, I also posted at my group blog Here. Please read it. Possibly related posts: (automatically generated)Rockhopper’s Key Found!+ [...]
February 2nd, 2009 at 12:49 am
At this point if someone sent me a 2 liter of soda I think I’d fall in love with them.
February 2nd, 2009 at 1:04 am
You’re not confused. Russian dude is totally cheesy. It just makes girls uncomfortable to get some goofy, canned attempt at romance. If a guy can’t take the time to put more thought into it, forget about it.
I can handle lame if they tried, but some quote from his homepage?
February 2nd, 2009 at 1:19 am
Flowers are good - even if she’s not usually the flower type. I don’t know a girl who doesn’t melt over them when she gets them … even if she’s always before said she doesn’t want them. HOWEVER, make sure they are flowers she likes. Don’t just send roses because you’ve always sent roses. Show you care.
And I agree about the note. I wouldn’t want that cheesy quote: I’d be trying to figure out where the hell it came from. Or what it meant. Racking my brain is far from romantic.
February 2nd, 2009 at 1:50 am
Russian guy’s attempt at romance would likely at least make me think he’s adorable. But he’s also probably giving it to a cute old woman. If it came from a 20-something guy to me, I might be a little weirded out.
February 2nd, 2009 at 2:19 am
At least he’s trying. That’s so much more than you can say for so many.
February 2nd, 2009 at 2:32 am
Nope, I think you are right. The best gift a guy ever gave me was a goldfish because he knew that I had always wanted one as a kid and never got one. Maybe it’s wrong, but I always assume that if a guy just gives me flowers or chocolates he really has no clue what I would REALLY want. The day a man gets me a Bob Woodward book, or a bag of gummy bears is the day I get married.
February 2nd, 2009 at 3:48 am
I can definitely see your point but as someone who has never received flowers and a cheesy quote myself, i wouldn’t mind it once!
February 2nd, 2009 at 6:26 am
Flowers ok, but not roses, Lilys usually work. I find any kind of romance works to be honest, even the most cheesy of varieties! But then im romance starved
February 2nd, 2009 at 9:27 am
even when they say they don’t, girls still love getting flowers. something funny, thoughtful, and unique to the two of you WITH the flowers is even better. cheesy quotes - not so much.
February 2nd, 2009 at 10:28 am
That is kind of cheesy. But BF used a similar line on me to get me to come back earlier from my little hiatus back to Ontario…… so…
I say, “SAY IT WITH FOOD!” lol
Fabulously Broke in the City
“Just a girl trying to find a balance between being a Shopaholic and a Saver.“
February 2nd, 2009 at 12:13 pm
I actually just posted about my most romantic moments…the reason they are so romantic in my opinion is because they were personalized to me and the person they were with. Not a canned response.
February 2nd, 2009 at 12:49 pm
I’m not usually into cheesy gestures like this, but I love watching old couples (I’m imagining this guy to be in his 60’s/70’s, so I could be way off base here). Since he’s from an older generation, his lady-friend might enjoy it.
February 2nd, 2009 at 12:51 pm
I’ve learned it really depends on the person. A friend of mine (girl) would totally go for this sort of nonsense. Me on the other hand, I would burst out laughing and probably insult the guy.
I have no decorum whatsoever.
I would go more for what you said, making it personalized. That would brings happy tears.
February 2nd, 2009 at 4:07 pm
Awe. It is pretty corny. But the poor Russian guy just probably doens’t know how to express the love that’s in his heart. Which makes the whole thing is kinda sweet.
February 2nd, 2009 at 5:21 pm
Also? Maxie’s comment is the best thing I’ve ever heard.
February 3rd, 2009 at 12:21 am
I use to exchange notes with one of my ex’s. we’d leave notes on the pillow/desk/table, as one of us always had something in the morning. Corny, but nice.
February 3rd, 2009 at 7:49 am
I like the inside joke approach - somehow it just feels like flowers/chocolates/mush could be from anyone vaguely sweet. It’s nice to have something a bit more personal.
February 12th, 2009 at 11:13 am
everything in this blog is about judging whats best to show a girl you love her. but it only makes me think, whats the best way to show a guy that you love them. do guys go for cheesy stuff too??
i thought the way i look and smile at my boyfriend would be like having a giant billboard on my head saying that i love him. but it seems he wants the cheesy “i love yous”.
so i have to ask back to you, what would you like to receive as an expression of love? and is it giving love that feels best?