Kim: Think back to when you were a kid. Remember how important it was that everyone took turns? Otherwise it wasn’t fair! Well, why shouldn’t the same rule apply when it comes to planning your anniversary? I may be stereotyping, but it seems to me that it tends to fall on the husband’s shoulders to “remember” that special day and buy the flowers and the jewelry. Meanwhile the Mrs. is standing by, tapping her foot wondering — waiting to see if he’ll actually do something. How about this…why not take turns so that each year one person can just sit back and not have to worry about it? Maybe if the Mr. has something to look forward to every other year he might just be better about remembering when it’s “his turn”.

Bob and I have been married for 14 years. In fact, we just celebrated our 14th and since I’m “evens” it was my turn to plan it. I had everything set to go. Bob’s only job was to pack his suitcase with whatever I told him he needed and then show up when it was time to go. Now we like to actually get away and go places for our anniversaries. Obviously this is not something that is always feasible for all couples. However, that doesn’t mean that it still can’t be made special while letting the other person entirely off the hook. Key word is ENTIRELY. The other person should not have to worry about a thing, although it might be a nice gesture to get a card. Trust me, it works for us. Give it a try!

Julie: That’s great for you guys…and I love the evens and odds idea. But for my marriage, it just means I’d be pissed off every other year. Being married for 12 years, we learned to have no expectations whatsoever. That way, when one of us actually does go out of his or her way to do something nice, it’s a pleasant surprise. Like the time when my hubby bought me a gorgeous 5 diamond anniversary band to mark our 5th year of matrimony and he hid it in a Snickers bar. Ok, get this: he gave it to me when I was totally sick and barfing and the last thing I wanted was a freakin candy bar! He tried to force me to eat it and I was like, “Get that thing out of my face you moron!” And did I mention that I’ve hated Snickers bars my entire life? Why he decided a candy bar was the way to go is beyond me. All of that aside, I humored him despite having just hurled in a trash can, opened the damn candy wrapper and “BLING!!” Needless to say, I at least enjoyed staring at the new rocks on my hand while I suffered with a stomach flu for the remainder of that anniversary. I still wear the ring and love my man to pieces even though he sucks at planning things.

Kim:  Hmmm….Yes,knowing our beloved Donnie, I do see your point! Listen ladies, you all know your guy best. If you think this is something that might work, give it a try! However, I would suggest you go first to set the tone!