Valentine’s Day in elementary school was, for most of us, the first opportunity to express feelings for someone of the opposite sex.

They weren’t real feelings of love of course, but they were the first expressions that helped us to understand that maybe we could overlook the cooties about which we’d been warned.

Sadly, most men still think a card for Valentine’s Day, her birthday or Mother’s Day, is all it takes to make a woman happy.

Women have dozens of triggers for romance. Men have two: on and off.

What most men don’t realize is that women don’t just want a gift, chocolates or roses a few times a year, they want someone to listen to and appreciate them, and be interested in what they’re saying all year long.

First, let me say that I am no expert on this. It took me a long time and enough money to put my attorney’s kids through private school to figure out what makes women happy and unhappy. I’ll skip the unhappy, since most men who are reading this have already learned about that part.

I’ve compiled a list of things that you can do for your lady that cost nothing, but can pay great dividends:

1)   Listen.

2)   Hear.

3)   Be supportive.

4)   Greet, kiss and say “I Love You” when you leave in the morning and when you come home.

5)   Don’t go to bed angry.

6)   Say “I’m sorry”, even when you don’t think you’re wrong.

7)   Help with the housework without being asked.

8)   Split the chores related to raising the kids. (The kids are half yours, you know)

9)   Praise your lady whenever possible, whether she’s with you or not.

10) Thank God for her every day.

Most women seem to have far more patience than men. I believe that this is the only reason that more women aren’t in prison for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

Admit it, guys. If our ladies acted like we did, we probably wouldn’t put up with it.

But, for some reason, women do.

I believe women are able to forgive and be tolerant of men because they’re smarter than we are.

God had to make one sex superior, or our species would be extinct.

So, for her next birthday, wedding anniversary or Valentine’s Day, bring home flowers and a gift if you like, but bring home an “I love you” and a “How was your day?” with them. And mean it. And listen.

And cherish every day with her. Because, unfortunately, we don’t live forever.