As I sat in my office, I was determined to book my wife a day spa trip for Mother’s Day. I knew the location well enough, even if I couldn’t recall the name of the place. While I was uncertain about the specific treatments she enjoyed, I did know that she always returned radiant and happy. So, armed with Google, I found the spa’s number and placed a call to a young woman on the other end. Here I was—a father of three in my mid-30s—asking what might have seemed like ridiculous questions, while she tried to stifle her laughter.
My plan was to surprise Emily the Saturday before Mother’s Day. I aimed to arrange a session for her favorite treatments at the spa, then tell her, “Go enjoy yourself! I’ll take care of the kids. Don’t stress at all.” Following her spa day, we would go out for dinner. I even consulted a colleague who suggested I drop hints to her husband to make the surprise even better.
I felt confident until I found myself on the phone asking, “What is a facial?” and “How does a pedicure work?” and “Do they wax the entire face or just the eyebrows?” It was an embarrassing moment, and I could feel my cheeks getting warm. I’ve never had a facial or a pedicure, and while I was genuinely trying to make sure Emily got what she wanted, I was clearly out of my depth.
As I leaned over my desk, forehead in my hands while listening to the detailed explanation of a facial, I sensed someone was watching. I turned to see our office intern, Sarah, grinning at me with her phone raised. She was in her early 20s, bright and hardworking, and we shared an office space. I raised my hand to stop her, but it was too late—she had already captured the whole moment for Snapchat.
Looking back, the entire scenario is quite amusing. Some might even find it endearing. However, the crux of this story isn’t humor; it’s about love and effort. After 13 years of marriage, I adore my wife and want her to feel cherished. I refuse to be that husband who overlooks special occasions, as they matter a great deal. Emily is an exceptional mother, and she should receive something memorable on Mother’s Day. Yet, these well-intentioned gestures can come with feelings of awkwardness and embarrassment.
I’m not suggesting that every time a husband steps out of his comfort zone, he should receive accolades. Rather, it’s important to recognize that ordering a spa day or similar gifts often involves a backstory filled with determination and perhaps a touch of humiliation. Behind that thoughtful present could be a husband on the phone, handling silly questions while someone nearby is laughing, yet he perseveres because he values his wife so much.
There’s a misconception that love should always be expressed through grand gestures—like defeating enemies or embarking on heroic quests. But in reality, love often looks like a guy awkwardly standing in a flower shop, or a man at the store counter blushing while purchasing feminine hygiene products. Likewise, women often step out of their comfort zones for their partners, but such acts of dedication from husbands are frequently overlooked.
Once I hung up the phone with the spa, I stepped outside to catch my breath and let go of my embarrassment. After regaining my composure, I thought about how much Emily would appreciate the surprise. She was worth every awkward moment, even if it was all caught on Snapchat.
This article originally appeared on May 19, 2017.
If you’re interested in related topics, check out our post on home insemination for additional insights. Also, for those looking for ways to enhance fertility, visit this expert resource. Additionally, this site offers excellent information on insemination options for families.
In summary, while finding the perfect gift for your spouse may lead to embarrassing moments, the love and effort behind those gestures are incredibly meaningful.