'We can just chill at my mother's house'

Birthdays are usually a joyous occasion full of celebration, cake, presents and the knowledge that the Lord has blessed you with another year of life here on earth.

But for a day that makes most adults relive their childhood, why does it cause the enormous amount of stress on the person trying to make the moment special for their loved one?

A few weeks ago, my fiance celebrated her 25th birthday with her deciding to make the trip back to Florence to share the day with the people she loved most - in addition to having the chance to spend some quality time with my future mother-in-law.

My thoughts raced as to what I could possibly do besides make the hour-long trip to Myrtle Beach from her house and the possibility of having to spend a large sum of cash on gas. Of course, the realization of being able to make a trip to The Olive Garden was part of the equation along with us going to see Tyler Perry's hit movie "Why Did I Get Married?" basically to end the night.

For most people, having most of their day figured out is a luxury they would love to have. However, being a person who must be active in order to maintain my sanity, this was unacceptable.

"Baby, what is there to do here? I need something to hold my attention until we make some type of move," I said, trying to be as diplomatic as possible without giving away the fact that I needed a list of ideas to give us something to do besides go to the park or sit around in front of a television set.

"We can just chill at my mother's house until the movie starts," she said in a very calm voice. "It'll be alright, she'll love the company."

For some strange reason, her answer soothed my soul with the knowledge that she did not want much but me being in her presence. But then again, it could have been that I would be eating some of her mother's delicious sweet rolls, fried chicken, collard greens, macaroni & cheese and a slew of other treats.

No matter how you measure it up though, I was ready, especially in my mind as I was preparing myself for whatever dart - good or bad - was coming my way.

"Cool, I can definitely deal with that," I said, turning the dial to scan through channels on the radio while also running through scenarios in my head.

Being engaged can sometimes feel like you are going through an interview process when trying to get a job as you are flooded with endless questions until you want to bang your head through a wall. Part of being with someone, especially someone you want to marry, is part of that.

But in my mind, such questions and hassle about an event that is not until next year can wait when we are celebrating someone's birthday.

Fortunately for both of us, things were quiet and the conversation primarily focused on childhood and how old friends and family were doing in their busy lives.

A great dinner at The Olive Garden followed by an outstanding movie virtually made the night complete.

"This day has been amazing," my fiance said. "I thought the birthdays in the past topped this one but you really outdid yourself this time."

I tried to take the smile off my face as I thought about how such a hectic day turned out perfect.

"All I can say is I try... I try," I said.

However, what woman's day would not be complete after being showered with three dozen roses, chocolates, a teddy bear and a number of other gifts.

After all, I got everything I wanted for my birthday.