Pick one or more of the following romantic passages from the Song of Solomon and read it to your spouse. While some may sound a bit odd, in the culture of the time each phrase was a compliment.

• Husband: How beautiful you are, my darling! Oh, how beautiful. Your eyes behind your veil are doves. Your hair is like a flock of goats descending from Mount Gilead. (4:1-2)

• Wife: Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth - for your love is more delightful than wine... Take me away with you - let us hurry! Let the king bring me into his chambers. (1:2-4)

• Husband: You have stolen my heart with one glance of your eyes, with one jewel of your necklace. How delightful is your love...my bride! How much more pleasing is your love than wine, and the fragrance of your perfume than any spice! (4:9-10)

• Wife: Like an apple tree among the trees of the forest is my lover among the young men. I delight to sit in his shade, and his fruit is sweet to my taste. He has taken me to the banquet hall, and his banner over me is love. (2:3-4)

• Husband: Your graceful legs are like jewels, the work of a craftsman's hands. Your navel is a rounded goblet that never lacks blended wine. Your waist is a mound of wheat encircled by lilies. Your breasts are like two fawns, twins of a gazelle. (7:1-3)

• Wife: My lover is...outstanding... His body is polished ivory decorated with sapphires. His mouth is sweetness itself; he is altogether lovely. This is my lover, this is my friend. (5:10-16)

Now take turns verbally complimenting your spouse about his/her HEART, then his/her MIND, then his/her BODY

We each interpret love differently. While it's easy to know what makes us feel cherished, the hard part is understanding and demonstrating love in ways that are meaningful to the other person. Pay attention as your spouse shares which of the following most makes them feel loved.

"I feel loved most when you..."

• Use spoken or written words of encouragement, praise, affirmation, or appreciation towards me.

• Offer to help me complete tasks and serve me through actions.

• Show physical affection towards me (back rub, holding hands, meaningful touch, etc.)

• Desire to spend time with me and plan accordingly.

• Surprise me with a simple gift that required thoughtfulness.

In the next few weeks put what you've heard into action.

• Husband: Surprise your wife with something she would like such as a candle-lit bubble bath you have prepared.

• Wife: Surprise your husband with something he would enjoy such as serving a favorite drink with cheese and crackers to enjoy together.