Have been in a serious relationship for more than two years now. I am so in love with my partner and she loves me too. However, there are things I don't pay attention to that she values so much. Things like birthdays, anniversaries, valentines, and so on. I have realised that it's one thing my partner doesn't like about me. In fact, in her words 'babe you are not just romantic at all, how can you forget that today is valentine?' That amongst others are the stuff I hear every now and then when I fail to remember or do something special on those 'special days'.
She has even gone to the extent of saying that Igbo guys are not romantic. That it runs in our blood. That staying in the city doesn't change that fact. Most of the little issues we've had at times are always as a result of the above-mentioned issue.
To an extent I don't blame her, and I can't also blame myself. As a kid, I never paid attention to all those. Everyday is always a normal day, be it valentine's day, or birthday, in my family. So, it has never been my thing. Have tried explaining to her but she isn't giving it all in. I have spoken to friends about it and all they said is that I need to be flexible at times. So I would be organising a surprise dinner on her birthday (29th September). Currently have everything planned out and it would go as follows:
On the 29th of September, 2022 — her birthday, she would expect me to send texts and buy gifts, but I would act normal and make her think I forgot as usual. Yeah, I know she's gonna fume and get angry, but I will try my best to put everything under control. Her expectations will still be high, as she would expect me to do something before the day runs out. But I would wait till 10:00 pm before giving her a call to come and rescue me — that I got attacked.
'Babe, are you ok? What happened? Where are you driving to by this time of the night? Hope you aren't that hurt'? She would ask
' I am fine Nkem, it's just a minor attack, I had to let them take all the money I had with me', my response.
'Ok, thank God they were only after money' she would say.
'Yeah, I would like to get a bottle of water, do you have your card here? There's a bar just across the road, let's go in so that I could get water' I asked
'Sure, let's go' she would respond, as we walked into the restaurant where we would be having dinner.
As we walked in, I would sit on the chair nearest to me and tell her to meet with the waiter, to get the water. On her way back to me, she would realise I had left my seat. On asking the security personnel, he will direct her to the VIP room that I have booked for the dinner. As she walks in, the light would be turned on, with her favourite music (perfect by Ed-Sheeran) playing in the background.
I will then walk towards her, and say to her 'happy birthday, my love. Just want you to know that I can do anything to put a smile on that beautiful face'.
'Babe, you went this far for me? Uhh! I love you, sorry for stressing you, thank you my love', she would say emotionally. 'Anything for you my queen' I would respond, as I take her to the room where she will change her clothes to the dress I got for her — a golden gown. While I also change mine to my black suit.
After changing, I would walk her to the table, where we have her favourite wine (Kylie Minogue rosé wine). We would talk about life, plans, family and the way forward.
'... Talking about family, Dear Chinenyem, I have looked around and have realised that you're the best fit for me. We have been through thick and thin, and have come out stronger and together. So I want us to take the ultimate step, will you marry me?'
Guess that would be the peak of it all. After which I would drive her to my place, where we would spend the night.