Exactly, Andy. She wanted to help, but she knows there is nothing she can do.
I'm in the same situation with my H. He's miserable at work. I've tried to be positive -- look as it as only temporary. When the economy turns around, so will job opportunities. Let's think about what you'd REALLY like to be doing and see if there's a way to do it. Etc., etc, etc. Nothing helps. It's all just words. But I'm trying to be supportive. I hope he sees it that way -- as you see it with your W. There is just nothing we can do to make it any better for you guys when it comes to your careers.
Also, my H is a very pessimestic person naturally. Always sees the bad before seeing any good. It's hard for an optimistic person (me) to deal with sometimes.
I'd think the motorcycle would have given you thousands of opportunities for gift-giving. H made a list of the things he wanted (right down to part numbers), which makes it very easy for me. For our anniversary I gave him some sort of a flow kit (don't ask me. I have no idea what I'm talking about) that he'll need for the bike when he puts a new exhaust system on (to make it much, much louder!!). I thought it was a totally unromantic anniversary present, and he was totally thrilled. I did have to do a little undercover work on that one -- he hadn't written the part number down - just mentioned it in passing. And the fact that I did that and then drove 25 miles to the the closest Harley shop to get it really pleased him. He's also gotten me things for the bike (leather clothing and better passenger seat, better foot rests, etc) for gifts. Maybe those things wouldn't have been my first choice, but I was so pleased that he wanted me to be with him when he rides that those gifts are some of my most cherished.
So, get her to start making a list. She'll have fun doing it. You'll have an easier time with gift-giving.
I loved what you wrote on her MD card. Believe me, Andy, those are the things women love to hear. We need to know we're appreciated and not being taken for granted.
