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How I Learned to Take Control of My Happiness
The gift of giving and receiving love
When I was younger, I read about a boyfriend who filled his car with balloons and gifts and drove from his city to surprise his girlfriend at college on her birthday.
I thought it was the most romantic thing ever.
I married young and like many women raised on Bollywood movies and Mills & Boons romances, I expected my husband, now ex, to be romantic. Reality check: not everyone is naturally romantic or may want to be romantic. Some, like a friend of mine, feel pressured to appear as the perfect romantic couple for their friends and on social media. So she buys a gift in advance for her husband to ‘surprise’ her at the annual Valentine’s Day party.
Not every partner is attuned to their SO’s tastes or knows what to buy. Some may see such purchases as unnecessary expenses or feel they aren’t needed. It’s sad because both women and men, want to feel appreciated and celebrated, especially on special occasions like birthdays and anniversaries.
You can try communicating this with your partner but what if they’re not paying attention or have a short-term memory?
My friend found a solution: She takes her husband shopping, picks out what she wants, and has him swipe the credit card. It’s a…
