10 Ways to Say " I Love You"

Valentine's Day is just 7 days from today, so let's get ready!

1. Apply the three C's

Seize every opportunity to compliment, commend, and congratulate your mate. Apply to your marriage, Biblical advice: " Whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy- think about such things." ( Phil. 4:8)

2. Turn of the T.V.

Most couples are extremely busy and have so little free time to spend together. So, they use T.V. as a time to relax. Try to turn it off and talk to each other, or even being quiet together and reading, or playing a game.

3. Have a fair division of labor.

Make sure you try to be fair with your dividing of the chores in your home. Someone once asked the husband of Margaret Thatcher, the former British premier, " Who wears the pants in this house?" He said, " I do, and I also wash and iron them.!"

4. Show patience

" You get the chicken by hatching the egg, not by smashing it open," said author Arnold Glasgow. You may not always understand your partner's actions or appreciate his attitude. During those times, extend courtesy of patience.

5. Grant your spouse three wishes.

Most people are more comfortable giving than receiving. So, cut through this obstacle; tell your partner you want to grant him three wishes!

6. Think before you speak

" Raised voices lower esteem. Hot tempers cool friendship. Loose tongues stretch truth. Swelled heads shrink influence. Sharp words dull respect," writes William Arthur Ward. Do your best to spend your words as wisely as you would spend your money.

7. Routinely send love signals.

Small gestures often convey large meanings. So don't hesitate to express your love through small acts of kindness, tenderness, and gentleness.

8. Lighten and brighten with laughter.

" A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones."(Prov. 17:22 One recent study of couples married at least 50 years revealed that 79 percent of them said that they laughed together everyday.

9. Listen with your heart.

The Bible offer this wisdom: " He who listens to a life-giving rebuke will be at home among the wise.: (Prov. 15:31) When your spouse is upset, let him express freely. Don't pick away at the details. Just listen.

10. Be generous with forgiveness.

A family therapist, Fred Piercy, is often asked if a relationship can be saved. His response is, " No, but you can build a new relationship. " " Forgiveness allows that process to begin. "

Article written by Victor M. Parachin