by Alicia Crowder

Created on: August 05, 2008   Last Updated: August 13, 2008

GET HER A GREAT ANNIVERSARY PRESENT

Let's face it. The bottom line is that you are about to drop some cash for that special woman in your life and you don't want to waste your time or money in making a purchase that she is going to hate and either feel stuck with or alternatively, rush off to exchange.

Therefore, you need a few tips to get you started and hopefully to ensure that this project ends with a very pleased wife or girlfriend and all the benefits that coincide.

Here's what you do:

Prepare. Prepare. Prepare. If you want to have another anniversary after this one, preparation is key.

How? Start listening for key phrases.

Examples: "I want" - "I need" - "I love" - "so pretty" and so on. When you hear those words try to really tune in to to the context. Take a mental, or better yet physical note.

Pay attention to what she may need. Be careful! This option is where many a well-intentioned man goes wrong when the needs are practical items (e.g. vacuum cleaner.) Although unexplainable by science, women do not want practical gifts for any romantic occasion. They may appreciate these gifts at other random times.

Do not be mislead. If they say, "I want diet pills." or any kind of physically altering purchase, NEVER give it to them for your anniversary and probably not at any other time of the year either. Women want to feel safe to express their insecurities and usually they only want reassurance that you see them in a better light than they see themselves.

Does your gift idea say "I value you." or "I adore you."? If not, DON'T BUY IT.

DO NOT fall into the "Don't buy me anything" trap. Women say this because they want you to want to give them a present so badly that you will move the heaven and earth. If you choose not to buy them anything it will be interpreted as: "Thanks for the out." "You are NOT the woman of my dreams." If this doesn't make sense to you, that's okay. It doesn't have to.

Summary: Prepare. Pay Attention. Buy. If you want to really be safe, buy several presents. One is likely to hit the mark.

P.S. Don't forget the anniversary card to accompany the gift. You get big points for this little thing.

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