Ways to show or say

There is no one perfect solution. Inventiveness is the mother of all loving relationships. Keep it fresh, bring something new into it. Pack candles, candleholders and a white tablecloth into a small bag and take your spouse to McDonald's and put out the spread! Call a restaurant and have them bring a cake or flowers to the table (that you paid for in advance) when it is not a birthday or anniversary. Go to your computer that you presently are wasting time on reading this and create a "certificate of appreciation" which includes coupons for a free back rub, foot massage or whatever else turns on your life partner.

Geez, if I had to come to TBD to figure out how to make my wife smile, I should have my computer tossed! Recently, we bought a couple of condos as an investment, and fixed them up to rent out. I took my wife down to see them after they were finished, and all I had in there were a folding table, two folding chairs and a cheap blow-up mattress that I bought for a few bucks at BJ's. Dinner was delivered by a nice restaurant. The rest, I will leave to your imagination.

I have this better-than-dream-come-true relationship with my wife. I have been asked numerous times about our secret. The fact is, it's many things. But the one thing that stands out for me is the overwhelming level of respect I have for her.

My response to this would be to show her respect, let her have her say about things. Try doing simple things, little things as some women relish that. Write her a note and leave it somewhere or pack her a lunch with a note in it. The perfect date? I don't think there is one. Being spontanious is a good start, go for a drive, try something new with her (a restaurant she has mentioned, etc).

Wow! This hard to answer because their are so many ways to tell your spouse/partner that you love and cherish her. These are some things which stand out in my mind that mean so much to me in my relationship:

a) My husband compliments me (with sincerity of course) after I get my hair colored/cut i.e., " Honey you look so good." Other times when I awake in the morning he tells me, "You're beautiful." I havent brushed my hair or teeth yet!

b) My husband listens to me when we are "on a date" and he is not distracted by his cell, cable tv or computer. In fact he leaves all of these turned off or at home when we go on a date. Or when i have a bad day he holds me when I cry.

c) He makes me laugh when I feel down or upset or when I need some humor in my life.

d) He kisses me like it was the first time

Dave, First of all, I LOVE the tags on this post - Love, Respect, Caring. She is indeed a lucky woman to have you in her life. My guess is that she already knows how much you care - by the way you listen to her, the way you ask for her opinion, the way you talk about her to other, the way you consider her in all decisions you make. She probably doesn't need more than that.

If you want to do something special - do it for her personally. It is not about some romantic notion that outsiders can give you. For some, it is flowers and candy - for the highly allergic, overweight woman, those might not do the trick. What is it that she likes to do that she rarely has time for. Create a time where you can do that together. It could be as simple as sitting in the living room reading a book - or it might be an elaborate outing. You know her well, do something she wants and will appreciate.

And have a great time!

Showing love doesn't require a change of locale or spending money. Love is best shown everyday in the little things. The fabulous trip will soon be a memory but your attentiveness and helpfulness will not. What I most appreciate are small surprises...a note left on my dash saying "Have a good day. I love you.", or having that errant piece of trim nailed back into place without my asking, or hearing, after dinner, "No, you relax, I'll get the dishes." Love is simple, really.