> I was shocked at the number of people who leaned
>toward #1 on this, but then I figured out why.
>The ones leaning toward #1 mostly seemed to be
>shying away from using the given examples of
>little things -- saying "I love you" and "You
>look beautiful" -- rather than little things in
>general.
>
> Although my own reply also used these examples,
>they were just that: examples. You don't EVER
>have to say "I love you" or "You look beautiful"
>for a relationship to be healthy.
>
> However, to be perfectly blunt, a relationship
>that doesn't have multiple little things going on
>every day is having problems. There are >countless "little things." A hug, a caress, a
>wink -- write a note or an email for no reason,
>draw funny faces on the eggs, sit extra close to
>each other on the sofa. Whatever. ANY little
>things. Essentially they are tailored to what
>you know your partner appreciates. Ideally, but
>not necessarily, they shouldn't even all be
>conscious efforts but the natural consequence of
>one's feelings.
>
> Relationships *need* several exchanges of
>"little things" -- whatever they are, conscious or> not -- per day (on average) to survive.
>Choice #1, so long as it is understood that the
>specific "little things" mentioned in it are
>examples only, is not an option for a healthy
>relationship.

This from the guy who's wife complains that he spends all day sitting at the computer ignoring her.

;-)

-- Dave