50 ways to say I love you

Big spender

A European tour
My husband is the president of his company and is always in demand by his staff and clients. He does not take much time out for the important things in life and, I thought I would be able to put a little zest in his days to come. I had planned a romantic trip to Europe without his knowledge. I had a courier deliver him a package containing two tickets to our destination. I was told by his secretary that he was on his way home to thank me. This was the beginning of some wonderful changes to come. Come February, he has a couple of more surprises to make him realize that work is not everything. After our trip to Rome I have arranged to go to Salzburg Austria to see some of the most romantic sights in the world. We will then travel to Vienna to take in some lovely Arts and entertainment.
–Gil Russell, Port Perry, Ont.

An exotic getaway
How about a secret rendezvous with the one you love. Send him an invite to an exotic resort for the night from a secret admire, and be waiting for him with candles, wine etc.
–Linda Rentz, via e–mail

Love on a budget

A steamy message
Just before your significant other is due to take a shower, clean the mirror in the bathroom. Run hot water to get the mirror all steamy. Draw a large heart on the mirror with the words "I LOVE YOU" in the center using your finger. Let it fade. After your spouse/other gets out of the shower your magic words will appear for them on the mirror!
–Tish Gatenby, Ottawa, Ont.

Stay in and send the kids out
Instead of going away for the night (weekend) have someone take your children if you have them, and plan a romantic night in the privacy of your own home. Let your imagination go wild.
–Bobbi anne Heaton, via email

The mrs. misses you
When he goes away on business, I put little notes in his socks, jean pockets, shaving kit... that say I miss him or that I can't wait for him to return.
–Kerry Martin, Canadian Living associate style editor

Roses are red
This is just one way to show your wife you love her. When my wife and I met in 1963 in college, I did not have a lot of money to shower gifts on her. However, I could have a florist make up a single red rose into a corsage, which I would give to this girl with whom I wanted to share my life. There was no pattern to when she would get one, just when she least expected it; not on her birthday or any other date she might be expecting a gift.

Today, after 35 years of marriage, I still buy her corsages on a purely random pattern. She is an elementary school teacher, and I arrange to have a flower sent to the school office early some morning. She then wears it to conduct her classes. Each fall she explains to a new crop of students the significance of wearing her flower, and tells them that it just let's her know that her husband is thinking about her and loves her.
–H. David Goldsmith, Chatham, Ont.

Enjoy a winter wonderland
Take your loved one tobogganing. When you get there, pull out a bottle of wine and some cheese and crackers. Sit in the snow together and enjoy!! It is so romantic when you're outside surrounded by nature. Who says you can only picnic outdoors in the summer? You can also bring a small bottle of red coloured water (use food colouring) and draw a heart in the snow around yourselves. Don't forget to take pictures too.
–Robyn King, Ajax, Ont.

Just say it
One of the very best ways to say "I Love You" is to stop everything, take a deep breath, look your loved one in the eyes and JUST SAY IT -- because sometimes tomorrow never comes...
– Robin Faris–Cadeau, via email

A traveling heart
My favorite was suggested by a gentleman by the name of Mr. Spilchak, who was a partner in compiling one of the Chicken Soup for the Soul books. He spoke at a conference I was at a few years ago and it was evident through his words that he truly adores his wife. One thing he shared with us that day has stuck with me ever since. He showed us a small fuzzy red heart, about 4" long and 3" wide, then explained that this heart has traveled with him often when he is on the road. He and his wife take turns giving it to each other, but neither knows when or how it will appear. For example, it's popped out of the lid of his shaving cream can and has appeared in a Ziploc bag in the bottom of his wife's favorite cereal! It's their way of letting each other know that they're loved and thought of all the time. At the end of the conference, every audience member received one of these hearts. When I recently became engaged, I gave it to my fiancé and found it returned to me. It's my turn again to give it to him and I'm waiting for the right chance to surprise him. I have the feeling that this will be something we'll have fun with for years and years.
–Patricia Klinger, Morinville, AB

A bite of love
When I make lunch for my boyfriend, I take one bite of his sandwich and call it a love bite. That way when he's eating his lunch, he'll be reminded of me.
–Diana Pejic, via email

Flowers for him
In the past I used to go to where my husband worked and leave flowers, or put his favorite baking in the cab of his truck with a little note.
–Tabatha Tilson, via email

Day planner notes
Put a notation in his day planner saying "your wife loves you today!"
–Wendy McElroy, Victoria, BC

Back rub delight
Give a backrub and spell "I Love You" on his back with your fingers.
–Judith Milne, Saint John, NB