By Todd Wilson
Hey Dad,
It’s finally warming up around here, making it feel like summer. About an hour ago, I pulled in the driveway after celebrating our anniversary. We went to the lake, sat outside, floated in the lake, relaxed, and talked… like we used to before we had kids.
The thing about anniversaries is that we dads usually botch them (I've got a few botched ones under my belt). If we're doing good, we get our wife a card, but even that sometimes gets lost in the shuffle.
Several years back, I was traveling and as I opened my suitcase, I saw my wife had hidden a card in between my underwear and socks. “How cute,” I thought—she wrote me telling me how much she misses me. Then, to my horror, I opened the card and was hit right between the eyes with two bold words across the top of the card — HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!
“Auuugggggg!” I groaned, “I’m now THAT husband… the lame one who says, ‘Sorry, Honey, I forgot.’” Of course, I called my wife right away and lamely said, “Sorry, Honey, I forgot.” I made some other excuses… but they all sounded weak and pathetic.
The thing is… most men just don't care much about special days. Know what? We should. Especially marriage anniversaries. If not for our sake, then for our wives. What wife wouldn't love for her man to make a big fuss over the day that they were united as one?
So here it is: "The Familyman’s Guide to Anniversaries"
The card. Get one. Don't just sign your name. Write something… you know, why you love her and how you'd do it all over again if you were given the choice. Think mushy.
The gift. I know what you're thinking, "But my wife and I decided not to do gifts anymore." Get her a gift anyway. Or, better yet, get her a gift for every year that you've been married… like her favorite candy, sunglasses, a snazzy pen, pretty stationery… you're on your own for the rest. Pick up some wrapping paper and wrap each gift separately.
The date. Get a babysitter, ask your parents, or someone who owes you a favor and go out. Tell her to order whatever she wants.
Check your motives. Make sure all that you do isn't only for what you might get in return. You know what I mean! So… do it for her, not you.
Now you might be saying, "Yeah, but, Todd, that'll take a ton of effort and cost money." My answer, "Duh." That's what love is.
You 'da Husband,
PS: If you already missed your anniversary, it's not too late. Celebrate your anniversary DAY this month instead (EX: your 189th-month anniversary).
Todd Wilson
“The Familyman”
#stayingmarried
C: 574-253-1663 / Email: familyman@familymanweb.com
Familyman Website - www.familymanweb.com
The Smiling Homeschooler Website - www.thesmilinghomeschooler.com