How to make your girlfriend cry…

Why would you want to make your girlfriend cry on her birthday?

First, let me start by saying that it wasn’t my intention to make her cry.

But personal gifts have that effect it seems.

While packing, I have been stealing moments to complete a pastel portrait of a special little boy, the grandson of my longtime girlfriend.

I should backtrack a bit though.

The beginning of our friendship.

We met in 2005 when I was teaching her son. She came to a parent teacher meeting and at the time, I didn’t know she lived just a few houses away, across the busy boulevard. But hubby had talked to her at the bus stop and one thing lead to another… In no time at all, we met and became steadfast friends.

The best gift is the gift of time.

And so, over the years, we have surprised each other in various ways, not always with tangible gifts. The best gift of all, of course, is time spent together.

When we were both working, we spent two weeks sightseeing in Mykonos, Santorini, Crete, and mainland Greece. With our hubbies, we often travelled to sunny southern destinations.

As recently as this February, she and I travelled together to Cancun to soak up some sun at a Mexican Riviera resort.

When I saw a photo on Facebook of her grandson, a plan began to take shape for her birthday in September.  I just didn’t know at the time that I would be in the middle of packing and getting ready to move. I wasn’t sure I would be able to finish it on time.

Her reaction…

When she removed the gift wrapping, I held my breath…would she like it?

Her smile turned into tears (oh no!) as she showed it to her husband. But I knew she liked it! After all, the smile came first, then the tears, then the effusive thank yous.

So if you really want to give a meaningful gift to someone special, think of something personal or something with significance.  And if you happen to know someone who would love a pet portrait, add your name to my waiting list for 2021.

You too can make your girlfriend cry on her birthday!

• A portrait of a special person, pet, or place hand painted by a local artist
• A framed photograph of a special moment
• Anything handmade: knitted socks, shawl, carved items, sculpted items that have a meaning for both of you
• A coupon to a favourite restaurant where you will both go together and spend a few hours catching up
• A book with a handwritten letter explaining why the book has significance within the context of your friendship
• A book of favourite recipes you enjoyed together
• Writing anecdotes (very short story) of times spent together, the ones that you remember and leaving blank pages so he/she can add another perspective, another dimension to those special moments

I am not saying that any of these suggestions would make a friend cry…but who knows?

Do you have ideas for unique, personal gifts?

Maybe you have surprised a friend with an unexpected, meaningful present? I would love to hear from you!  Leave your answer below in the Leave a reply box or contact me.

Cheers from art room!

Louise

(Header image by Fa Barboza.  Copyright-free photo from unsplash.)