I Love You

One of my favorite Christmas gifts between my husband and I, was this fun day by day calendar called 365 ways to say "I Love You." We've been enjoying it together each day, and haven't missed many of the opportunities. I have been loving the practical, tangible ways that you can say I love you to your spouse. Sometimes words just don't seem to be enough and an unconventional thing done daily can mean the world.

Here's a recap of what we've been doing so far:

January 1st - Let "I Love You" be the first words you utter as the New Year begins.

January 2nd - Celebrate your significant other's accomplishments- big or small. Display awards and trophies for all to see.

January 3rd - Decorate your home with beauty- with inviting colors, flowers, music, warmth, and laughter- and love will always be there.

January 4th - When he apologizes, be quick to accept it and drop the matter.

January 5th - Write a love note on his car window with lipstick or soap.

January 6th - Give her a back rub after a stressful day at work.

January 7th - Send her a "love"-gram.

January 8th - Share a love poem that reflects your feelings for the one you love. From the pen of Solomon, Elizabeth Barrett Browning, or you- the meaning is the same.

January 9th

Write "I love you" in huge letters with sidewalk chalk on the driveway.

Only because I was writing this blog post, I peaked ahead and found some things to look forward to for this month ...

Share a cup of hot chocolate while you watch a winter sunset.

Tell your beloved- verbally or in a card- what you admire most about him or her. (Do it often)

Show support for her in front of others.

Pick up his favorite snack food and surprise him at work.

Take her breakfast. Even if it's just toast, coffee, and the morning paper- being pampered is always a treat.

Record her favorite romantic movie then splice over the commercials with footage of your own, sharing your message from the heart.

Maximize the strengths and minimize the weaknesses in your loved one.

The calendar was very inexpensive and so far has been a great investment. It's generically dated so that it can be used for multiple years to come. I'm sure this is something that could be made easily too! The point that I'm trying to make here: love your spouse. Make sure that you are consciously giving the effort it takes to cherish your loved one. Your relationship deserves the chance to flourish.

"The development of a really good marriage is not a natural process. It is an achievement." - David and Vera Mace