7 Tips From A Chronically Forgetful Lady To Remember Your Anniversary

4 min read

It’s a common stereotype: men, as they age, become increasingly forgetful, especially when it comes to important dates like anniversaries. While there’s some truth, it’s a misconception that this is exclusively a male phenomenon or something related to ageing. Women can forget it, too, at any age, and I’m one of those.

I’ve always been a bit forgetful. I’ve forgotten birthdays, wedding dates, and even the day we first met, however my partner, bless his patient heart, has always been understanding, but I can’t help feeling a pang of guilt every time I slip up.

I know it’s not intentional. Despite ageist assumptions that want people of a certain age to start to be more forgetful, the truth is that my mind is racing with a thousand different things, from work to family to household chores. Sometimes, it feels like my brain is a cluttered attic, and important memories are buried under a pile of junk and even though I try my best to remember, it’s like trying to hold onto grains of sand.

Why do we forget anniversaries as we get older?

So, I guess life can sometimes get in the way. In the early years of our relationship, anniversaries were major milestones—days marked on calendars, anticipated with excitement, and celebrated with grand gestures. But as it progresses, I’ve noticed our focus naturally shifted from the intense courtship phase to building a life together.

Daily responsibilities like work, raising children, managing a household, and other commitments (including menopause symptoms. Are you familiar with brain fog?) slowly but surely started to take up significant mental space and I’m glad I’m not the only one.

A recent survey conducted by Dating.com reveals that 82% of individuals have forgotten their anniversary at least once during their relationship and most of the time it’s because of hectic work schedules and distractions from childcare responsibilities.

Additionally, a Travelodge survey reveals that 1 in 5 married Brits are unaware of their wedding anniversary, with women being more prone to forget the date than men. Interestingly, 30% of Brits believe this tradition is outdated (so, if you’re not married yet or considering a change, marrying a Brit might just save you from anniversary troubles altogether!)

But there are also other reasons preventing me from remembering our anniversaries. I’ve noticed, for instance, that as my relationship has grown stronger, the pressure to make every anniversary a big deal has faded for me.

At first, it felt important to mark these milestones as a way to show my commitment. But now, I realize that what truly matters is the love and support we share day in and day out. It’s less about the date on the calendar and more about the connection we have.

How to Make It Right

If you too are a “Little Miss Scatterbrain“, here are some tips tested and proven for you to make it right, according to experts, despite your busy life.

1.     Acknowledge and Apologize Sincerely

The first step is to acknowledge your mistake as soon as you realize it. Apologize sincerely without making excuses. A heartfelt apology can go a long way in smoothing things over. Let your partner know that you understand the significance of the day and that you regret missing it.

2.     Make Amends with a Thoughtful Gesture

A belated celebration can still be meaningful. Consider what your partner values most—whether it’s quality time, a small but meaningful gift, or a simple, heartfelt gesture. It doesn’t have to be extravagant; what matters is that it shows you care and that you’ve put thought into making it up.

3.     Plan a Special Day Together

While the actual date may have passed, it’s never too late to celebrate your relationship. Plan a day or evening dedicated to just the two of you. This could be a romantic dinner, a weekend getaway, or even a day spent doing your favourite activities together. The key is to focus on each other and reconnect.

4.     Create New Traditions

To prevent future slips, consider creating new anniversary traditions that are easier to remember and celebrate. This could be something simple like writing each other a letter every year, revisiting a favourite spot, or even making the celebration less about the specific date and more about the experience of being together.

5.     Use Reminders and Technology

If you find that dates tend to slip your mind, take advantage of technology. Set calendar reminders well in advance, or use apps specifically designed for remembering important dates. This ensures you never miss the opportunity to celebrate your relationship.

6.     Communicate Openly

If forgetting anniversaries becomes a pattern, it may be worth discussing openly with your partner. My husband is now quite used to it and expects to celebrate our anniversary the day after (if not a month later!). However, some people may feel hurt or undervalued, and it’s important to address these feelings. Open communication can help you both understand each other’s expectations and find a balance that works for your relationship.

7.     Focus on the Big Picture

Remember that one forgotten anniversary doesn’t define your relationship. It’s the day-to-day love, respect, and support you offer each other that truly matters. If your partner knows they are cherished every other day of the year, a missed anniversary is more easily forgiven.

Love is in the details

Forgetting an anniversary as your relationship grows longer and more comfortable is a common experience, but it doesn’t have to be a major issue.  

Personally, as our relationships grow over time, I’ve realized that anniversaries don’t always need to be grand gestures, a little thoughtfulness goes a long way in showing that you care. Sometimes, the simplest things, like a heartfelt card or a home-cooked meal, can mean the most. What’s important is acknowledging your mistake and making an effort to make it up to your partner.

In a marriage that has stood the test of time, I believe what counts is the enduring connection you’ve nurtured over the years. While anniversaries are a wonderful time to celebrate, the true strength of your relationship lies in the countless moments of shared life, love, and laughter.

So, if an anniversary slips by, don’t worry—we all are human beings and mistakes and errors tend to happen- just use it as a chance to show your partner that, even after all these years, they still mean the world to you.

If in any case you ever forget to wish your better half on your anniversary, then the first and foremost thing is to say sorry and send a heartfelt apology message. It holds a greater value than any other thing in the world.

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