Promises cost little but mean so much when kept. Remember those little coupon booklets kids made for parents promising all sorts of things, like one yard cutting, one dish washing, one day of peace and quiet for mom and dad. There's no law that says spouses can't give the same or similar gifts. How about a coupon for a back rub? A promise to attend a chick flick, if you're a guy or Rambo XXXXX if you're a woman without grumbling can be a welcomed gift.

On our fifth anniversary, my husband gave me the best gift I ever received - before or since. He handed me an envelope. By the feel of it, a card waited inside. I pulled out the inexpensive folded note. A fifty dollar bill and another note slipped from the card to my lap.

The usual sweet verse and Bru's signature brought a surge of pleasure. I set aside the fifty dollar bill, which was a massive amount at that time, eager to read the raw-edged legal pad paper note. The message was brief and thrilling.

'I promise to go shopping with you without complaint for one day. I will give honest opinions when asked, go to every department store you want to visit and not sit on the mall benches instead of being beside you. Happy Anniversary. Love forever, Bruce.'

I read it over again and again, tears gathering in my eyes and blurring the print. Of all the things he hated most, shopping with me rated number one. I'm a notorious browser who can't look at one blouse. I have to see every blouse and every color of the same blouse. I can't try on a couple of outfits; I bring dozens to the fitting room area. His gift was akin to handing me the moon and stars which seemed so far out of reach.

That one unselfish act brought us closer. I considered not forcing him to spend a boring day at the mall, knowing he'd rather be home cutting his throat instead, but I'm not blessed with his unselfish nature.

Saturday came and we walked into the first shop. At any moment, I expected to hear him ask if I had finished yet. Silence flowed from him unless I asked his opinion on a dress or slacks. With unusual fashion honesty, he reported whether the outfit looked great or emphasized the wrong part of my body. I left the stores with clothing I knew he found attractive. Thirty-six years later, although he's given me diamond and platinum jewelry, fancy perfumes and even a car, nothing has matched that one beautiful day shopping with my Bruce.

Learn more about this author, Michelle N. Broughton.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about Small gifts for your wife?
We want to hear your view. Write now!