10 Ways to Show Love to Your Spouse
By BANKOLE OLUSEGUN
Are you dissatisfied with your marriage? Maybe you miss the way your husband used to woo you by giving you unexpected gifts and treating you like a queen. Perhaps you miss seeing the stars in your wife's eyes and feel discouraged because you never can seem to make her happy.

Many people in this situation wait their spouse to make the first move. Unfortunately, when no one steps forward, the relationship withers and eventually dies.

Instead of waiting for your partner to do something about your "blah" relationship, why not take this opportunity to do your part? Once you start showing love to your spouse, they will usually start responding in kind. You can gently nurture romance back into your married life.

Here are ten ways to show your partner that you love them:

1. Be Considerate:
It's sad when husbands and wives treat each other with less respect than they would show to a waitress or a bank teller. Be kind to your spouse. Say please, thank you, and show appreciation for the things they do.

2. Show Affection:
Don't just cuddle and kiss as a prelude to sex. Be affectionate when she least expects it: Touch her shoulder or give her a quick hug during the day.

3. Say "I Love You":
As long as your words are backed up with powerful actions, those three simple words can still warm your spouse's heart.

4. Do Something Nice:
If your wife loves flowers, bring home some roses one day. If your husband loves brownies, make it for him as a surprise. In short, find out what delights your partner and then do it. It doesn't have to be extravagant. It could be as simple as remembering to do something you don't normally do, such as vacuuming the floor or changing the sheets.

5. Spend Time With Your Spouse
Invite your wife to take a walk with you in the park. Watch a favorite movie together. Play a video game with him. Go out to eat. There are lots of ways to spend quality time with your spouse.

6. Encourage Your Spouse's Interests:
Don't brush off your spouse's hobbies, even if you have absolutely no interest in them yourself. Listen when he shows off his latest model airplane, or take the time to look at the cloth purse she made. Encourage your spouse's interests. Buy them a book or a special tool that will help them.

7[b]. Buy an Unexpected Gift: [/b]
Everyone buys someone a present when it's a special occasion, but an unexpected "just because" present is even more of a treat.

8. Don't Nag:
If there's a particular chore your husband hates to do, and he's good about doing other things around the house, don't constantly nag him about it. Take responsibility and do it yourself.

9. Listen:
Do you tune your wife out when she's trying to tell you about her day? When your husband speaks, is your mind leaping ahead to what you want to say next? Take the time to really hear what your spouse is saying to you.

[b]10. Be Respectful

You'll disagree and even fight from time to time. That's normal. However, certain fighting styles simply aren't acceptable. Do your best to stay on topic, and try to be as specific and non-accusing as possible. Don't say, "You're so inconsiderate! I hate cleaning up your messes." Instead say, "I feel frustrated when you leave dirty dishes on the counter top, because then the food dries and becomes extremely difficult to clean off. I'd appreciate it if you'd soak them in the sink after you're done with them."

One of the biggest reasons marriages fail is that couples don't learn enough about each other before they walk down the aisle. They don't ask pre marriage questions that reveal how compatible they are. Don't make that same mistake. For free relationship advice, visit http://questionsbeforemarriage.com.