28.       All Decked Out

Although most people do not get dressed formally to go out, as a special treat, find an upscale restaurant, the opera, or even a ball, where the man can wear a tuxedo and the woman an evening gown.  If possible, rent a limousine and have a bottle of champagne chilling before you get in.  You will both feel good about yourselves and spending this magical evening together.  This is something unique that brings another unexpected twist into the relationship, which keeps things interesting and alive.  The two of you will have a romantic night that you will never forget.

29.       Showing Love

Although hearing the words, “I love you” is special and important, sometimes you wish you could tell your mate as well as hear from your mate those words, but in special and unique ways.  Here are some ideas of how this can be accomplished:

§         Rent his favorite movie, even if it is something you do not like, and plan an evening alone where you can be with him as he enjoys his special treat.

§         When he gets out of the shower, hand him a warm, cozy towel just heated in the dryer.

§         When you make him pancakes, first pour the words, “I Love You” on the griddle and cook for a minute to brown.  Then, pour more batter over the words to create a round pancake.  The result will be a pancake displaying those three special words when you flip it over.

§         While he is out of town, wash his car and surprise him by picking him up in a clean, shiny car at the airport.

§         Take him out to lunch.

§         Have his favorite breakfast on the table along with the morning newspaper.

§         Instead of bugging him to go to the grocery store with you, let him stay home.

§         Display your favorite picture of the two of you on the refrigerator.

§         Buy him a subscription to his favorite magazine.

30.       Split the Responsibility

Whether dating or married, weekends are always full of errands and chores.  If you find that on the weekend things are lopsided, help your mate out.  For example, if there are kids involved and one has a soccer game while the other has a baseball game, at the same time, offer to take one of the kids and your mate take the other.  Make this a special time by packing a special lunch or snacks.  Perhaps one of you has company coming and the house needs to be cleaned, laundry done, and groceries purchased.  Set aside something you need done and offer to pitch in to help.  Simply say you want to help and ask which of the jobs you can take over.  This gesture will show your mate that you really care by sacrificing your time.

31.       Love Means Having to Say You Are Sorry

If you make a mistake by doing or saying something that is hurtful or damaging to the relationship, say that you are sorry.  Many people struggle with these words, even when they know that what they did was wrong.  It actually takes a strong person to apologize.  Do not wait until you think you have the courage but say it immediately, and with sincerity.  Too often when couples argue, there is a long period of silence, which actually makes the anger and tension worse.  You need to let your mate know immediately that you made a mistake and ask for forgiveness.

32.       Be Yourself

Do not be phony in your relationship, trying to be someone or something different as a way to please your mate.  For a relationship to work, both people need to be themselves and react to things naturally.  Just imagine if you are really kind of on the silly side, enjoying life to the fullest.  Then you meet a wonderful person who is much more conservative than you are.  Because you are attracted to them, you try to squelch your normal vibrant personality.  You are miserable and eventually, the person is going to be exposed to the “real” you.  You have to base any relationship on honesty or it will eventually fall apart.