The Wows Collection
Make up a special nickname for her, and use it every chance you get.
Pick up your dirty clothes and towels. (And inspire the kids to do this too, especially if they take after their dad and leave them for her!)
Close the toilet every time you use it.
If you don’t have an auto club membership, get one. Even so, if she breaks down somewhere in town, stop what you’re doing and go sit with her while she waits for a repairman to come. It’s very disconcerting for a woman to have to wait on the side of the road, particularly if she has children in the car.
Buy giant bath towels and wait for her to emerge from the bath or shower, then wrap her in one. In winter, throw the towel into the dryer for a few minutes so it’s extra fluffy and warm.
Fill up the water pitcher before it’s absolutely empty, or run to the grocery store yourself when you notice that there’s not enough milk for her coffee and the kids’ cereal.
Offer to clean up the kitchen—and do it the way she would, not the way you usually do. It’s not clean until the counters have all been wiped down, leftÂovers are wrapped up and in the refrigerator, and pots and pans are scrubbed (or at least soaking).
Rent a “chick flickâ€? for the two of you, and sepaÂrate movies for the kids.
Make a habit of turning off the phone during dinnertime so you can enjoy your family without unimportant interruptions. (It starts off as a “wow,� even if it becomes habitual.)
Buy a romantic tape or CD and put it in her car as a surprise.
Plant a rose bush or a tree to commemorate a special occasion, then take extra-special care of it.
Make sure there’s a framed picture of her promiÂnently displayed in your office—preferably without your children.
Take responsibility for a new household chore — that means you don’t have to be asked to get the trash out, do laundry, get the kids to dance classes or Little League, or empty the dishwasher. But remember, if she has to ask you to do it, you haven’t really taken responsibilÂity — you’re just helping out. There’s a big difference in her mind!