Giving Him Hints About the Perfect Anniversary

An anniversary is a very special time at any stage of a marriage. It's an opportunity to recapture your feelings for each other on the day you got married; to celebrate the milestones you've achieved in your life together; and to renew and rekindle your romance. In the early years of marriage, many couples prefer an intimate evening together; while frequently older couples want to gather their friends and children to share in the joyous occasion with them.

The anniversary celebration

If you are a couple with a good ability to communicate, you should have no problem discussing your anniversary celebration ideas ahead of time. Sometimes, however, a husband wants to surprise his wife on their anniversary. Sweet as their intentions maybe, men sometimes aren't as in tune with women's feelings as women might like.

To prevent a surprise attack when you were hoping for dinner for two by candlelight, you can drop some subtle hints about how much you are looking forward to a romantic evening alone together. He can always surprise you with his choice of the location be it a special restaurant, a weekend at a country inn, a trip to Paris, or simply taking the kids to his mother's for the night and cooking you special dinner at home. He can be flattered by your desire to be with him alone rather than a group party!

On the other hand, if you want an inclusive celebration, make your intentions clear. "This year, wouldn't it be fun to share our anniversary with our family and friends?" See how he reacts, because it's important that you both agree. If he hates parties, period, drop it. If he likes the party idea, but would prefer to be alone with you, suggest a private celebration on the real date and an anniversary party that weekend. Looking for anniversary party ideas? You can plan the party together, or let your children organize it for you. Here are some great anniversary celebration ideas. You can always share them with your spouse by saying, "Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could do something like this!"

The anniversary gift

While there are age-old traditions about anniversary year gifts - from paper to wood and cotton to lace &ndash most women would like to scrap these recommendations in favor of something as memorable and beautiful as the engagement ring that started it all off.

If you feel that way, and you understand that it's within your budget, you can start early by dropping some hints about anniversary jewelry that would make you happy. Remember that he undoubtedly wants to make you happy with whatever gift he chooses for you, so dropping a few hints could actually give him confidence that you'll be thrilled when you open that box!

• Let your family and friends know what you'd like, since he might ask them for some guidance. If it's the classic three stone diamond ring, then make sure they know your ring size.
• If it's anniversary jewelry you're after - diamond solitaire earrings , a 3 stone diamond pendan t or bracelet --comment on what your friends are wearing. For instance, you might say, "Jane's earrings are really beautiful - I think a platinum setting shows off the diamonds best."
• Pointing out things you like that you\'ve seen in magazines, or tearing out an ad and leaving it on a table where he might see it, is another way to put some ideas in his head subtly.
• If you have no problem being more upfront about it, and you\'ve seen something you like in a store, you can take him shopping and point it out, or locate your dream gift online and send him a link. (Better yet, have someone do it for you.)

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