Ten (Almost) Free Ways to Say "I Love You"

Life gets very busy, and it's often difficult to find special ways to say "I love you," especially on a limited budget. Here are a few ideas.

Karen Holford is the wife of Bernie Holford, the family life director of the South England Conference. Together they enjoy developing seminars on all aspects of family life. The Holfords have three children. Karen has written several books, and she also enjoys crafts of all kinds.

Life gets very busy, and it's often difficult to find special ways to say "I love you," especially on a limited budget. Here are a few ideas. I'm sure you have many more that you could share, too!

* Try having a candle-lit breakfast. Get up early and make it a special time. Breakfast is simpler and cheaper to prepare than other meals. Also, setting the table and most of the cooking or preparation can he done the night before. Find some exotic fruits, special bread, croissants, or other treats. Wrap a little gift or message, or even put a flower into his napkin. Relax together, and don't forget to light the candles!

* Put a special message onto a new bookmark. Then slip it into his Bible or current reading book for him to find unexpectedly.

* When he will be away for a meal, send along his favorite foods. Slip a card or note of affection or appreciation into the lunch sack.

* Try to say something positive and encouraging to him every day. He hears plenty of criticism from other people!

* Have a special meal together one evening. Work out how much you would spend if you ate out, and don't be afraid to make life easy for yourself by buying a special ready-made vegetarian dish and attractive dessert. That way you won't be frazzled by a day in the kitchen. To save time, you can even buy the salad from a supermarket salad bar. Create a special atmosphere with candles and music.

* Show you care by helping him to keep physically fit. It's more fun to be active together! Go for a walk somewhere new; row a boat on the lake; take a picnic and go for a swim; or try a new sport that neither of you has ever tried before.

* Take an evening off, and make popcorn and hot chocolate. Play Scrabble, or a Bible board game, or the Ungame. Or make up five questions each, such as "What is your favorite memory from our time together?" "If you could ask for any gift in the world, what would you ask for?" etc. Learn a new hobby together or rent a Christian video to watch together.

* Avoid getting into a rut. Be full of new surprises, and just have a good laugh together!

* Learn how to do as many household tasks as you can, so that you don't have to depend on your husband to change plugs and light bulbs and water-tap washers. The next time he has to do the job, ask him to teach you how. Or learn from a class or a good handyman's textbook. Other useful skills to acquire are unblocking sinks, patching up paint work, recycling junk furniture for your home, and hammering or screwing picture hooks into the wall. Teach him how to sew on a button, stitch a neat hem, iron a shirt, and use the washing machine!

* Challenge your husband's thinking with new ideas. Help him to grow spiritually and intellectually. Pray with him and for him, and grow toward heaven together.

Karen Holford is the wife of Bernie Holford, the family life director of the South England Conference. Together they enjoy developing seminars on all aspects of family life. The Holfords have three children. Karen has written several books, and she also enjoys crafts of all kinds.