It's NOT just another Hallmark holiday...

Maybe it's me.  Maybe I'm just a thoughtful person.  Or maybe it's a female "thing".  But when it comes to birthdays and anniversaries, I feel that these are special days.  And special days need to be celebrated.  Right?

Well, yesterday was my birthday.  And as much as I hate to celebrate a day that reminds me that I'm another year older (much, much older), it's still a special day to me.  And call me selfish and self-centered if you'd like, but I think a birthday needs to be celebrated.  Just my opinion. 

So here's my 2 cents, for what it's worth.  Just some advice for all the boyfriends and husbands out there on celebrating your girlfriend or wife's birthday:

1.  Birthdays and anniversaries are not "Hallmark" holidays.  These are special occasions and deserve some special attention.  They're not like Veteran's Day or Columbus Day (not that those aren't important holidays).  And they're not "just another reason for Hallmark to make and sell a card".  You need to buy a card.  Preferably prior to that special day and not just stopping at CVS on the way to dinner so you can pick one up and scribble a note on it in the bathroom.  Plan ahead.

2.  Birthdays and anniversaries deserve a gift.  No matter what your girlfriend or wife says, you need to get her a gift.  Again I repeat, GET  A GIFT!  If you ask her what she wants, pay attention.  Even if she says she doesn't want anything...PAY ATTENTION!  GET A GIFT!  Notice I didn't say buy a gift.  If you're short on cash, you need not spend a lot of money or any money.  You can make her something too.  Write her a poem.  Not a literary genius?  Make her a jewelry box.  Not a handyman?  Give her an "IOU voucher" for a favor or a project that she's been wanting you to do.  You get my drift.  It's really the thought that counts.  I know, it's so cliche.  But it's true.  The fact that you thought enough of her to buy or make her something special...it means alot. 

If you're going to buy her something but don't know what to get, get her a gift card.  Some people think gift cards are thoughtless.  They're not.  Get her a gift card to her favorite store (hopefully you have some clue as to where that would be).  At least she can use it to buy something she likes.  Don't ever say, "I didn't get you anything because you said not to."  She was being nice when she said that, idiot!  And don't ever say, "You always return everything I get you, so I didn't get you anything."  Big mistake!  That's why you buy a gift card... 

3.  Flowers are nice.  Unless she's allergic to them.  But if not, buy her a nice bouquet.  Short on cash?  A single rose will do.  This will definitely earn you some bonus points.

4.  Don't forget about the kids.  If you have kids, get her something from them too.  Go pick out a card with them or have them make a card.  It really means alot.  She'll treasure it.  I know I would.

5.  Make dinner plans.  Either cook her a special dinner or make reservations.  She should not have to cook today.  To earn bonus points...make her breakfast.  In bed is preferable, but not a must.

6.  Get a cake.  We love dessert.  Don't collapse it with candles that remind her of her age.  One or two is enough.  Who doesn't love blowing out candles? 

And there you have it.  Not too hard, right?  It's totally doable.  Seriously, it doesn't matter how much she says she doesn't want to celebrate.  She does.  Who doesn't want to be treated extra special once in a while.  Trust me, just do it.  It'll make her happier... and your life easier in the long run.