Get with your girlfriend's girlfriends

Over lunch with Artsy Gal, she told me a story about her sick husband. Through the frustration and tears, she told me about his ongoing symptoms, and how he won't seek help. Is there even a cure, she wondered? As a comforting friend, I told her of the statistics I know. This particular ailment affects over 90% of the male population. It affects loved ones more than the ailed one. With her birthday approaching, she's affected more than usual by her husband's disease. She's not alone.

PPS. Nope, not Poor Penis Stiffness. It's Poor Planning Syndrome.

Why can't boys plan? I don't know. I don't get it. I've heard the following excuses:

1. I don't know what she wants. (Fair enough.)
2. She said she didn't want anything. (Yeah right.)
3. What I plan won't be right. (A for effort?)
4. I still have plenty of time. (Ummm, sure.)
5. I forgot. (You idiot!)

Puzzled as to what to do? I'm here to help you out guys. The oh so simple solutions? Make friends with her friends. Even if just one. Just. One. You don't have to be BFF, call her for random chit chat, be extra nice to her, nada. If you want to keep the distance, just get her email address.

Why?

Girls LOVE to plan outings, getaways, dates, vacations, surprises. They love to plan for their friends. Just not for themselves in lieu of their boyfriend, because he's plagued with chronic PPS. The friends will even forget it's a favor to you that they're brainstorming. They'll gush that you even remember that the special whatever-day is coming up.

Gal Pal #1: "Mary's boyfriend emailed me asking for ideas on what to do for her birthday! So sweet!"
Gal Pal #2: "Awwww, that's awesome. I was shopping with her the other day, and she almost bought this handbag. He should get that for her!"
Gal Pal #1: "Oh I'll have to let him know!"

They'll give you ideas: what to buy, what to bring, where to go, what to do. All you had to do? Reach out. Just a smidge. An email and the ball will start rollin'.

Now, guys might think, "Well, it won't be my idea if I have all her friends telling me what to do." I say, "Do you want to be Mr. Right or Mr. Happy?" To tell you honestly, most girls are so sure the guy will do nothing, that anything is surprising. Nothing will definitely be sorely disappointing. Personally, I think it's rather cute and f*ckable that you would reach out to my friends to get ideas. It shows you care and not so pigheaded.

And when that day comes and you have stuff planned? We won't care how the heck it happened. We'll just be giddy and happy. And by God, you'll be happy long time too.