DEAR HARRIETTE: My husband and I will be celebrating a big anniversary this year. I want to do something fun, and he couldn't care less. Usually, I go along with whatever he wants, but I don’t want to do that this year. On the few occasions when I did throw a party or do something a little extra for our anniversary, he liked it. I guess he just doesn’t want to participate in the work of it. As much as I wish he would help, I want to host a party anyway. How can I go about it so that I don’t wear myself out? -- Time to Celebrate, Denver
DEAR TIME TO CELEBRATE: What do you think would make you and your husband happy? Scale down this year, even as you plan to celebrate. Consider a small dinner with your closest friends and family. This can be manageable and fun for everyone.
What about a mini-vacation for the two of you, maybe in town, where you spend the night at a luxury hotel with spa, and you have a great dinner and some kind of pampering that you both enjoy?
Keep thinking. What would you both enjoy that isn’t too much work for anyone? Keeping the celebration small but special should help you to feel happy and comfortable in your plans.
Be sure to keep your husband informed so that you get buy-in from him. You don’t want to plan a special activity in which your husband does not to want to participate.