She’s a Keeper – NOT!

I recently received the following email from one of my readers:

Subject: HELP
Diana,
I have an interesting situation. I had reservations at two restaurants for Valentines Day(Berns and Melting Pot) of which I was going to allow my girlfriend to choose. But at the time she stated that being that it was a Monday, she’d rather not go out and stay in. Well just this week she decided she would like to go out which leaves me searching to find a place.

[Ed. Note: Bern’s is the premiere fancy steakhouse in town, and if a person is so lucky as to secure V-day rezzies there, they’d be a fool to give them up. I used to wait tables at the Melting Pot, back in my undergrad days, and our busiest night was always Feb. 14th. Something about melted chocolate and lovers. Bottom line is, this dude was on top of his game.]

At first, I was inclined not to believe him. After all, where is the man who makes reservations at what are arguably the two best restaurants in town to take your S.O. on Valentine’s Day? Is this “girlfriend” of his really a woman (because I don’t know a single straight man who’s that on top of things)? But the rest of the email (in which he listed alternatives and asked for advice) indicated that indeed, he was thinking this through.

I told him that his last minute substitute seemed fine, but more importantly, he shouldn’t put up with his girlfriend’s mind games. He’d made excellent plans (I only wish my boyfriend had thought half as much about V-day — Sailor Boy’s “plans” amounted to, “You don’t want to celebrate Valentine’s Day, do you?” as we’re standing in line by the choclate in CVS). The girlfriend was the one who was wishy washy, and he should not be held accountable for the fact aht she displays the gratitude and emotional maturity of a bouillion cube.

And finally, I’m more than a little inclined to give out this fellow’s phone number, since I’m sure there are dozens of women who would have fallen over dead had their sweeties made plans at the two most romantic restaurants in Tampa Bay (did I mention Bern’s private dessert rooms?) and asked them to choose which delight they preferred. Honey, any time you want a real woman, let me know.

Yep, that’s me. Food critic and advice columnist, at your service.