AFFIRMING YOUR LOVE FOR YOUR WIFE:

We all would do well to watch Solomon in action. Solomon, by contrast, referred to his wife as "my beloved" forty times in the Song of Solomon. That choice phrase is packed with affirmation. It's a romantic expression, a call to rich friendship. Each time Solomon said, "My beloved," his words clothed her with dignity and value. What woman wouldn't flourish under such a constant stream of loving affirmation?

Here are few nonsexual ways to cherish your bride through words and acts of affirmation. And by the way, these are nonsexual so that you speak her romantic love language. It's important to remember that you are not doing these things to get something in return. Perhaps she will reciprocate in your language back to you, but that's not your goal. Are you ready?

* Hug and kiss her every morning before leaving the house. Research indicates that marriages that practice this simple discipline are much healthier than those that don't. If she's sleeping, leave her a note, or gently kiss her forehead and whisper, "Have a wonderful day, sweetheart."

* Reach across the front seat of the car when you drive and hold her hand, even for a few moments. Allow your fingers to become entwined.

* Write, "I'm crazy about you, Honey. You're the best!" or another personal message on a yellow sticky note. Attach it to her bathroom mirror.
* Call her from work and say, "I've been thinking of how good I have it with you in my life. Thanks for all that you are as a woman and all that you do for me and our family."
* Go an entire day without criticizing anything about her. Instead, try to notice her doing something that you really appreciate, and tell her how much you value her.
* Go to bed at the same time with her for a week; just talk or read a book and share the quietness together.
* Brush her hair and compliment her hair and eyes.
* While she studies her face in the mirror, come up behind her and gently kiss the back of her neck. Say, "God broke the mold after He made you. You are so beautiful."

* Try your hand at making breakfast on Saturday morning. Tell her she deserves a break and should feel free to sleep in.

* Write her a short love letter in which you list several ways that she has blessed you this year.

* Resurrect common courtesies. Start opening the car door for her as you did when you dated, pull out her chair for her at the dinner table, offer your arm while walking down stairs, and help her put her coat on.

* If you overhear her engaged in a difficult situation on the phone or with a child, compliment the way she handled the conversation.

* Initiate daily prayer with her. This one spiritual discipline has transformed millions of marriages. Make a commitment, and then begin to pray together every day. Begin by giving thanks for her and your family, then pray with her about her worries and challenges. Ask her to pray for you about a challenge you are facing.

* Say, "Thank you," after every meal she serves. Then help her clear the table or offer to do the dishes with her.

* When you are together in a crowd, find a way to brag on her. Say, "My wife is such an amazing cook," or "I've got the best wife—her ______ never ceases to amaze me."

* The morning after making love, touch her tenderly, and tell her how wonderful it was to be with her.