Ten Ways to Dazzle a SAHM/Housewife on Valentine's Day

As a housewife who works from home in addition to taking care of my child and someone else's all day, most of what is on my wish list for Valentine's Day -- or any other holiday -- is not material. Here is a list of the ten most wonderful things you can do for your wife on Valentine's Day.

#1. Give her a break. Arrange for her to have a day at a spa or a visit with a massage therapist. Hiring a maid to come over and tidy up while your wife is relaxing will be an added bonus. With her physical stress relieved, and no longer having to fret about housework, she will be grateful for this gift for weeks to come. Be sure to book childcare for the kids, and make sure its with people she trusts. You don't want her worrying about Junior all day.

#2. Help her out. If you notice something needs to be done, do it without being asked -- just for today. Volunteer to help with the kids. Take out the trash. Tidy up, especially if you cannot afford maid services. Organize the clutter. Make a dent in that pile of laundry that never seems to go away. She will appreciate this, even if the clutter and laundry accumulates again days later. And it will.

#3. Say something nice. Compliment her. Tell her you love her. Say thank you when she does something for you or the family. Admire her as she brushes her hair, getting ready to go out. Speak kindly to her. You can make her evening simply by being agreeable and courteous. Call her while you're at work, or meet her and the kids on your lunch break. Remind her what a thoughtful gentlemen you truly are.

#4. Cook dinner, or take her out. Just don't let her prepare the evening meal. She will be thankful at not having to spend her time in front of the stove. Do the dishes, too, if there are any. If you go out, there is no after-dinner mess to clean. That leaves more time for lovin'!