The Husband Project Day 6: Special Treat, Special Place

Project #6
Location, Location, Location
A Special Treat in a Special Place
 
Your Project:
Make it food and make the location fun. Really, that’s all it is.

“It seems to me that our three basic needs, for food and security and love, as so mixed and mingled and entwined that we cannot straightly think of one without the others… there is a communion of more than our bodies when bread is broken and wine drunk.” - M.F.K. Fisher, 'The Art of Eating'

It’s food again, but this time it’s all about setting.

In our culture, food is innately tied to celebration. If someone gets a promotion, has a birthday, or even scores an A on a test, the first words out of our mouths are often, “We should celebrate! Where do you want to go to eat?” I’m not saying it’s the best plan (especially, if like me, and half the other citizens of the United States, you or your husband struggles with weight issues) but it is a reality.

Many of my favorite memories with Roger are tied to food. When he proposed, he popped the question after grilling stuffed portabella over an open flame. On one of our first dates, he took me to an amazing Mexican restaurant in the middle of winter and we had tappas sitting next to a roaring fire. This past Christmas Eve, we had a carpet picnic eating pizza fondue and tangerines in the middle of our living room with our kids. While the food was important, the location is what made the experience memorable.

So, instead of focusing solely on the food this time, think about making a small event out of it. No need to get super fancy here. If he simply enjoys popcorn in front of the TV, that’s OK. Some other ideas?

• If he enjoys being outside, how about dinner in the back yard? I have a friend who doesn’t have patio furniture, so she actually drags her wooden breakfast table and chairs outside. It’s not about resources, it is about creativity.
• One thing our family has done on several occasions, especially when the kids were little, was to do the carpet picnic. Spread out some quilts, watch a movie and enjoy the great indoors. (This would be a great night not to serve soup.)
• Pack one of his favorite snacks for a long trip.
• For a more grownup encounter, how about a shower or bath with chocolates…

Project Reports

“I am going to shock the socks off my husband and get up when he does (4:30 in the morning), make him coffee and bring him a cup while he is in the shower. He will definitely know something is Up!” - SH

“Yummy yum! I made hubby’s favorite Cheesy Chicken recipe. His favorite place for food is at the table with our family so we kept the location traditional (have to go with what works for your hubby’s personality/preferences). I might try for a picnic when the weather allows.” - Karmyn

What little treat did you do for your man?

 As the author of 'The Husband Project' Kathi Lipp speaks to groups across the country on how to put your marriage on Project Status.

Find out more about Kathi and the Husband Project Seminar at www.the husbandproject.org.