She is writing a list 40 things that I like and which she will do for me during the coming year. This list would essentially be a big coupon book which can be used once per week (40 is the number of weeks which do not have a holiday or other birthday in them).

For instance, I love to get my back massaged. My wife will likely write that on the list. At some point, I can cash in that coupon.

Great! A low-cost gift that gives all year long.

However…

I’m supposed to also write a list, which will include 40 things that I know she’ll like and which I will do for her during the year.

Now here’s the part that makes me a bad husband — I can’t think of 40 things my wife would like me to do!

I mean, sure, there’s the obvious things — pampering, taking over some chores, letting her sleep in on a day she normally would wake earlier, and stuff like that. But FORTY? Hell, I can’t even think of 40 things I’d like.

Furthermore, I can’t think of 40 things that she, or anyone, could do for me. I can’t wait to see her list and things she think I will like. Somehow, I doubt “Buy Dave a Playstation 3 and 39 games” is on the list.

So not only am I supposed to work on this list and come up with ideas before Christmas, but I will need to actually do the items on the list! Man, buying a gift would be a whole lot easier.

I asked her where she got this great idea. She said she just thought of it, though I suspect she may have seen it in some secret magazine that only women subscribe to. You know the kind I’m talking about, the ones that have tons of teasers on the front like:

• How to Lose 20 Pounds in 2 Weeks
• What’s Your Sex I.Q.?
• What is Your Man Really Thinking?
• And just in time for the holidays, How To Trick Your Husband Into Doing Nice Things For You All Year Long!
  

But her idea does make me think — I get so wrapped up in my work and my creative pursuits that I don’t make enough time for her or do lots of spontaneous things that I used to do when we were dating. And since having a child, I jealously guard my time more than ever, to try and get as much done as I can.

I know it’s not easy being married to me — especially when I’m writing a lot and throwing myself into my work.

So maybe this list is just the gift I needed, even if I didn’t realize it.

So, dear reader, what kinds of things would you put on a list for your significant other?

Coming Wed: I’ll be both reviewing and giving away one copy of a popular Children’s DVD for the first Blogger Dad Giveaway.

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