Gentleman, I know we tend to go to extra lengths on Valentine’s Day, but then the rest of the time we slip a bit in showing love for that special someone. Even me. And that doesn’t mean just the flowers, chocolates, and other commercial things that guys are known to give their significant others.

It’s also the little things, like the unexpected “I love you”s and doing the dishes without being asked or before they wake up. Or leaving a little love note or poem for them. Or making a special meal.

These are just a few ideas. The idea is it is not so much what you do but the thought behind it that shows your significant other how much you love them regularly. “But why?” ask some.

Well, aside from it making your relationship stronger and happier, it also makes those grand gestures you do on Valentine’s Day more special. I can see some scoff at the idea already.

Let’s take an example. Let’s say from February 15 one year to February 13 the next year you pick some wildflowers and write a little note each day for your significant other. Imagine on Valentine’s Day how much some roses or their favorite store-bought flower and a handwritten note will surprise them and mean to them. They will see that on those extra special occasions you go the extra mile.

You can use candy, too, and even coffee.

Even just going to a movie you think you might not like, but your significant other enjoys can show your love for them. You might be surprised and find yourself enjoying it too. After all, not every good movie has to have a thousand explosions or fight scenes.

While some women do enjoy expensive gifts the myth that it has to be all the time is a false. Women want to feel your love and see it, even if only in simple things like a seashell you saw that made you think of her and you cleaned it up so she could display it.

Women aim at us guys all the time with the food we enjoy and try to find ways to enjoy all our hobbies, even the ones least interesting to them.

Life is hard and going through it alone is even harder. You don’t get to have a good partner in it by being selfish. So, try to show them your love more often and be more conscious of it.

*Tips his hat, and heads towards the kitchen where his apron awaits.*