Saying I Love You Without Words" 

Boredom can destroy any relationship.  Even the daily repetition of the words "I Love You" can just become words if not accompanied by actions.  You've heard the phrase "Actions speak louder than words".  That is particularly true in a relationship.  It's the simple little things that shout "I Love You" louder than words. 

Here are some ideas to get you started:

1. You thank your customers for their business.  Don't forget to occasionally send your loved one a thank you note or gift.

2. Surprise him or her with a favorite book, chocolates, tea or whatever they enjoy but don't always buy for themselves. 

3. Surprise him at the door with a trail of chocolate kisses leading to love notes or a special surprise.

4. If your partner is feeling stressed, plan something fun or carefree.  Rent a convertible and take a drive to a special place for a picnic.  Haven't been skating in years?  Why not try it together again. Ride a carousel together.

5. For the frequent traveler, put little love notes in the suitcase along with something small but special to make him/her smile. 

6. If she's had a stressful day, greet her with a hot bubble bath combined with her favorite music and drink.  Then close the bathroom door, keep the kids quiet and allow her to just relax.  I promise that you'll feel more appreciated as well.

7. Arrange a romantic evening at home.  A favorite meal, either prepared in advance or brought home from your favorite restaurant or deli, candlelight, quiet music, and a bouquet of balloons.  Why balloons?  They are very special balloons.  You've inserted a note in each balloon, before inflating them, saying things like "back massage", "a long kiss", or whatever you like.  Whenever he/she breaks one, they get whatever is in the balloon.

8. Leave a note on their car.

9. If they listen to a favorite radio station at work or during drive time, call and see if you can dedicate a special song to be played to them during that time.

10. Give him or her a teddy bear.  Teddy bears make great snuggle partners when you're not there.

11. Send him or her a gift-wrapped "Kama Sutra" or "Naughty but Nice" gift at work along with a note that it is not to be opened until you are alone with each other that evening.  Make sure that it is gift wrapped or in a gift bag.  You don't want to embarrass them at work.

12. Take a moonlight drive on an evening with a full moon ending up at a secluded place for a late picnic.

13. Just reach over and touch him on her for no special reason.  Touch is one of the most romantic feelings.

14. Give him or her an unexpected bear hug for no particular reason.

15. Send them a cake with "I Love You" written on it.

16. Put a sticky note on their calendar that says "I Love You".  Then put another one on the following day that says "Even More than yesterday."

17. Send them a box of gift-wrapped cookies with a note that asks, "Will you be my Valentine?"  This doesn't have to be just on Valentine's Day. Any other day will be just as special.

18. Read the article "How To Make Love Last"

19. Now add your ideas and enjoy a romantic long-lasting relationship.

Joyce Reid is a columnist for Rave Reviews and owns Creative Gifts and Gift Basket Network.  She and her husband Ron have been married for 45 years.