Dear Men,

Is your wife birthday around the corner?  (Note:  This also applies to serious girlfriends!) Are you unsure about what to buy?  Listen up, friends.

First of all, determine how your wife most feels loved.  If you miss this one, you will set yourself up for weeks, months, or years of trouble.  Some basics:

• Receiving Gifts
• Quality Time
• Physical Touch
• Acts of Service
• Words of Affirmation

These are the Five Love Languages, as detailed by Dr. Gary Chapman in his long popular book of the same name.

photo credit: Crystl

I, for example, am very big on TIME.  I couldn’t care less about a bunch of roses or fancy jewelry, but I want my husband to spend time with me.  Don’t tell me you love me, show me by having fun with me!  We can go for a long walk, a trip to the bookstore, or sneak out for bagels, it doesn’t matter. One of my favorite gifts was a coupon he made for a picnic dinner together, which he planned and packed.  I just showed up.  Lovely.

photo credit: alvanman

On the other hand, my friend (who shall remain nameless) is much bigger on the gifts.  She doesn’t care one whit if her boyfriend is home for the big day, but a nicely wrapped box better be waiting for her when she opens her front door.  With something awesome inside.  What’s awesome?  Again, boys, it depends on your girl.  I like books, some like jewelry, others want a stack of gift certificates to their favorite store.  What does your wife like to do?  Start there and start thinking.  Really, this is the easiest kind of wife to have.  Just buy something already.

What about a girl who receives love through service?  Well DO something for her, silly.  Wash her car, cook her dinner—anything will work, as long as she feels your love through your acts of kindness.

Get the picture?  There’s no one “right” gift, but definitely a right kind of gift.

Get to know your girl and you’ll be home free.