The perfect date?

What defines the perfect date? The atmosphere, the mood, the setting... or the person?

Valentines Day just came and went and I chose to ignore it. Why? V-day is alright, I guess. It was my favorite holiday as a kid, I used to spend so much money buying my parents stuffed animals they didn't want because I was giving them a "valentine." For some reason in grade school I got sick, like stomach flu sick, for three years in a row (I think pre-K through 2nd grade) and I was SO angry I missed the cardboard box vday card exchange. Well, that was when I was 5...

But now, really, I think Valentine's Day is more of a gimmick. It's OK, and it can be cute, but I'd so much rather a guy be spontaneously romantic than to give me flowers on Valentine's Day. Show up at my house on a random Tuesday armed with something small and cute -- and well, you've won me. Show up on a random Wednesday with a smile and well, you've still won me.  I don't need a holiday. Romance can occur at anytime anywhere and who am I to demand something when Hallmark tells me I should? And why would I? Where's the fun in that anyway?

*** I'd so much rather have a completely "out of nowhere" kiss on V-Day (Victory Day) than a completely cliche kiss on V-Day (Valentine's Day)

Actually, I had a date right before V-Day and we basically chose to ignore the pink holiday's existence, and you know what, that makes it perfect. Why make a date awkward by forcing unnecessary situations caused by a simple calendar date?  

So back to the original question, and yes it does tie into V-Day, what makes the perfect date? It's not atmosphere or the mood or the setting and, I dare say, it might not always be the person. It's the answer to a few simple questions: Did you have fun? Did you smile and continue smiling after the date was over? And lastly, would you want to see that person again?

OK fine, this might not always define the perfect date, but I guarantee you any perfect date would answer "yes" to all of the above... so until I can tell you what the perfect date is, you might as well just have some faith in the above questions. Seems contradictory right, having faith in questions, but really that's what life is-- QuEsTiOnS. So we might as well find solace in questions, because tell me you have answers and I'll tell you that you know nothing.

Questions? 

Good night and good luck 

~ z.

*Picture pulled from here