Ten Unique & Healthy Ways to Say "I Love You"

Love may be a many splendid thing, but how often do we share those warm fuzzy feelings with those around us? Especially when the relationship isn't all that smooth or fresh? Romantic relationship or not, you likely have love-relationships with a variety of people.

A spouse, a sister, a dad, a grandma, a daughter.... perhaps a friend you can't imagine life without, maybe even your dog? Well, this top ten doesn't really cover the needs of canines, so hopefully you have a human interest you can shower with affection.

If anything positive will come from the horrible Westroads Mall shooting, at Von Maur in Omaha Nebraska on December 5th, let it be this... remind yourself just how fragile life is. It should almost be stamped with the warning... "handle with care". We simply cannot predict what unimaginably twisted and senseless path might cross our own, or the path of someone we love.

One of the most common mistakes we make in relationships, is failure to remind those we love how special they are. The best time to express this love isn't on a birthday, it's not at Christmas, not when you've had a few drinks and it feels more comfortable, and it's certainly not something you put off until one of you is sick or near death.

Trust me when I say this... the sentiment means so much more when it's completely out of the blue. So, here are ten healthy, inexpensive, and anytime ways to express your love to someone of nearly any age or love-relationship:

1. Surprise them with their favorite desert... homemade by you. Cut out a little paper heart from colored construction paper or card stock and write the words... "you're special", "wonderful friend", or "happiness is you". Then place the heart on or next to the desert plate. If you're not one to bake, even better. Think about the sentiment... not so much the outcome of the special treat.

2. Write a poem... a silly one, a serious one, whatever you wish... and make it personal so they know it's just for and/or about them. Include fun things you've done together or inside jokes they'll be sure to appreciate.

3. Take an afternoon off work to spend together. Take you daughter to the park, take your dad out for lunch and to a movie, take your husband to a football game (even if you hate the sport).

4. Find one of those ridiculous photos that people send in emails and print it off. Stick it in their wallet where they'll be sure to see it, or place it in their briefcase, on their dashboard, their school lunch box.... Anywhere they'll likely see it when you're apart. Sign it with love. If you can't find a funny photo, do a search for "funny animal photos" and you'll be in business real quick.

5. Clean their car or room, shovel their sidewalk, rake their leaves, mow their lawn, wash their windows or perform some other laborious task to show you care. Basically you're giving them a break to do other things, or to do nothing at all. If it's your wife... wash the dishes and do the laundry, even putting the clean dishes or clothes away in the proper place. Oh, does that ever say love or what?

6. Tell all your mutual friends and family how wonderful the person is. Go on and on about how much they mean to you. It will get back to them!

7. Plant a tree or a bush and name it after them, even if it's in your own yard. You could call it the Bruce Spruce or the Mable Maple... think of something catchy and fun.

8. If they have children offer to baby-sit so they can get out by themselves or schedule a date with their significant other. This is huge! If they don't have kids, offer to do the same for their pets. I know it's not quite the same, but maybe you could take their pooch for a walk?

9. Laugh at their jokes, even if they're not all that funny. This is a compliment and will make you both feel good. If they're not trying to be funny and laughter seems inappropriate, choose instead to smile whenever the conversation permits. Give your loved one every indication that your time together is a pure delight and means the world to you.

10. Just say it already! "I Love You" Come on, is it really that hard? Oh, and when you do... it's essential you're making eye contact... ahem, with them that is.

Remember... the key here is to perform these acts of love when your special someone is least expecting it. Give it a try and you'll see how true are the words... "it's the little things that count".