Father’s Day is June 15 this year.

I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry when I pulled up the history of this third Sunday in June, founded as it was when a woman was listening to a sermon about Mother’s Day. (It really took Mother’s Day to focus on dad? Apparently so.)
  
If you’re a wife and already have something planned, something bought or something pondered, you are precious, indeed.

In fact, you get a dozen roses if:
> As stated above, you’re already working on a gift a couple of weeks out, not the night before.
> You’re planning something special. Mother’s Day brunches are so popular, you need to book them months in advance, at least at good restaurants. You get a nod of appreciation not if you book way in advance, but if you actually choose a good restaurant.
> You select a gift with care. That has nothing to do with cost, all with choice.
> You listen to what he really wants, and buy it for him. A Bowie knife? Why not?
> You ask how his day was and actually listen to the answer.
> You let him tell the tale (for the thousandth time) about hitting the game-winning home run in high school. Hard to believe, but for some guys, it’s still a highlight. And, truth be told, the children will be impressed, no matter how many times the story is told. They like the idea that dad was once young and a hero.
    
You lose the dozen roses if:
> You buy your man yet another tie. One exception: You’re a young newlywed and your significant other has just landed a corporate job. In that case, buy him a tie AND a new wallet.
> You choose one of those cards that annoyingly make fun of the man in your life. There are two days of the year when a family really needs to pull out the respect rug: Father’s Day is one. (The other is his birthday.) An illustrated card that shows a bulging stomach and a two-day-old beard is just uncool. Trust me.
> When he pulls into the garage, the kids have not been nudged away from the TV to await his entrance. If he can’t feel like a king for the day on this day, all is lost.

This list is easy to follow and is sure to produce dividends. I advocate that Father’s Day really ought to be a celebration. I can’t wait to get to the gym (one of these days) and actually hear guys talk about what their families did for them on their special day.
  
It sure would make the workout easier to get through.

Craig Reem is a contributing editor to OC Family Magazine.