Celebrating Love

Did you know that someone somewhere has invented a gift for every anniversary? I don’t know who the genius was that came up with this list, but I think I could come up with a better one. For instance, did you know that if you are married for 100 years the suggested gift is a 10-carat diamond? I’m betting that there aren’t too many marriages out there that make it to 100 years, and if they do they sure can’t afford a diamond that big.

For your 24th anniversary, which is what Bill and I will celebrate this year, the list says you should give musical instruments. While that might make a good gift for Bill, I don’t have a musical gene in my body. Why would a person who can’t play a musical instrument want one?

If anyone had bothered to ask me, I would have suggested a male and female list. Women should get jewelry every year and men should either get a new golf club or, for non-golfers, technical gadgets.

The way to a woman’s heart is through romance, and there are ways to make her feel special without using a list. One of the most romantic gifts Bill ever gave me didn’t cost that much but I’ve never forgotten it. One day he came home with mystery bags that he wouldn’t let me see, he disappeared in the bathroom, and when he came out he told me to go see my surprise.

I couldn’t believe my eyes! Candles were burning, there were bath towels and little soaps in my favorite color, a bubble bath, and a tape player playing ocean sounds. He’d even bought some sort of contraption that turned regular bathtubs into a whirlpool. It was so sweet and thoughtful and one of the best gifts he’s ever given me. I didn’t tell him, but the bubble-making machine almost blew me out of the tub and should only be used if you want to simulate a tidal wave in your bathroom.

Romance isn’t just for newlyweds. In fact, the more romance in a marriage, the better the odds that you’ll celebrate anniversary, after anniversary, after anniversary.