Romance requires some planning

Alright, so let's get right to it.

Husbands, this one is for you. If you're like me you're thinking something like this: "Valentines Day is next month. This time I'm going to plan ahead. Good thing for me, there's plenty of time to get something nice for my wife...."

Then we continue on with our daily routines and next thing we know it's February 12th and it's too late to get tickets, or plan an overnight getaway.

One thing to be aware of this year, guys.... February 14th falls on a Saturday. That means lots of people will be out and about. If you are planning on doing something that requires reservations you'd better start thinking about it now.

Although this site is obviously going to give shameless plugs for the Anniversary Inn on a regular basis, the reality is that February is one of our busiest months, so seriously...... plan ahead!

But even if you don't stay with us, with Valentine's Day falling on a Saturday, this year is going to be crowded. My sense is that even though our economy is struggling right now, folks are still going to want to do something nice for their loved ones.

Husbands, my suggestion to you (and to me, because I've seriously got to atone for last year's "blender" fiasco) is to start floating a few "test balloons" past your wife to see what things she might be hoping for.

From my vast wealth of experience a hastily purchased present doesn't go as far as a poem that took you some time to put together. I think we too often forget that buying stuff isn't the same as giving a gift.

"Presents" are stuff you buy, "gifts" are things that you give with some level of meaning attached. A gift may be something that you purchased, but there is significance behind its purchase. A ring is a lovely present, but a Mother's ring with a stone representing each of your children is a gift.

All I'm saying, husbands, is take a little time to think about this upcoming holiday. Valentine's Day is the one time a year you really get to tell your wife that you do still care. And to represent that caring you've purchased, or written, or put together, or planned, this Gift.


Good luck men, I'll see you on the other side!