Dawn and I had a wonderful romantic anniversary last week. It was the anniversary of our first date. I wanted to do something nice for her and make it unique and special. So here's what I did (she had no idea what I was up to):
I got off work early and had the children watched by Grandma and Grandpa for the night. I got four bunches of flowers and cut off the flowers on three of them. I laid out the flowers from the entry way, down the hall and on the bed (which I had made after I cleaned up the room). I know what you're thinking: "then he was in the bedroom with candles blah blah blah." No – I was not even home by the time she arrived. On the bed I left her a romantic note about the first time I saw her. It was on a sexy dress I know she likes to wear. It said to be ready by 6:15, when I would pick her up.
I rang the doorbell at 6:15 and had the remaining bunch of flowers for her. I picked [more] her up and we went to the restaurant where we had our first date and had a nice dinner. Then we walked around downtown by the waterfront and I took her to where we had our first kiss (which is also where I proposed to her).
We enjoyed the night out without the kids and just hung out and talked and shopped. It was very special. We got to reconnect and just "be."
I had no expectations of her reciprocating and she was very happy and relaxed. Later, things went very well for both of us.
Do the unexpected and bring the excitement and romance back. If you can't remember dates, just talk to your wife about some important dates and put them in your cell phone calendar with 5 day reminders. Then you will never forget again. When one of those special dates comes along, give her a romantic anniversary she'll love.