How to Get the Most Out of Your Husband on Mother's Day

Mother's Day - the day of reckoning for husbands around the world. Since the second Sunday in May only comes around once a year, be sure to make the most of it. Make it easy on your sweetheart by letting him know what would make you really happy ahead of time - and don't be shy.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Try this strategy: Remind him early and often that Mother's Day is your special day and that it's his job - especially if your children are little - to make it memorable.
2. Let him know exactly what you want and how you'd like the day to go. Be specific and clear; failure isn't good for either of you.
3. Expect the world - breakfast in bed, time to yourself during the day, a dinner date with the just the two of you in the evening. Expectations have everything to do with results.
4. Try a low-key strategy, if you think it'll be more effective. Let him know what you're getting your mother - or mention that your friend's husband did something exceedingly lovely, such as sending her away for the weekend by herself.
5. Be subtle - let him think that what he does is his idea. He'll be proud, and you'll get what you want.
6. Help him succeed. Let him know where you'd like to go to dinner or that you'd most like to have a new tree for the garden.
7. Go for guilt, if you think that will work. Remind him about the days, months, and years of service you put into the family. Point out to him that on Father's Day he slept all morning and sat on the beach on all afternoon.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep in mind that you're in this for the long haul; avoid pulling out all the stops for just one day. Subtlety is one key to a strong marriage.