Here's an article in the "LIFE" section of today's Straits Times that got me tickled.

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Have the flowers gone?
Most couples eventually settle into a routine, but you should still do little special things for each other to keep the relationship going

By Pradeep Paul

STRAIGHT TALK
YOU don't bring me flowers anymore.
Whoa, danger signal, guys.
If you've had that line thrown at you by your woman - be it girlfriend or wife - recently, you're in big trouble.
It doesn't even have to be those exact words. But you can bet your last dollar that they will be accompanied by a puppy-dog look, complete with big sorrowful eyes and pouting lips.

You know the look. It's the one that makes men wish they'd read that Venus and Mars book.
But hold on. Is she justified? Have you bought her flowers of late?
No, right?
In fact, have you done anything special for her of late?
That's right, scratch your head and think.

Of course, the key word here is special. What is special to a new couple may be ho-hum to one that has pictures of their silver wedding anniversary on the wall.
To a new couple, almost every act is special. You call her every half hour, it's soooo caring.
Call your spouse of 10 years every half hour, it's harassment.
To a new couple, a lingering look at each other is special.
To a much-married couple, that same look may just signal misplaced bifocals.
To a new couple, sharing an ice-cream is soooo sweet, so special.
To a much-married couple, it's sacrifice. One likes chocolate. The other prefers strawberry.
But is this true? Are we - men and women - guilty of taking our partners for granted? Do we stop doing anything special once the thrill of the chase has dissipated

In a way, yes.
We fall into our routines. We get busy with work, children, whatever. We assume the other person knows we care. And we sometimes stop doing the things we used to do in the early stages of the relationship.
Both men and women are guilty of it, but men are more easily distracted. Sure, the woman may not be stroking his ego that much any more but, hey, there's so much to watch on telly like that Man U game and those hot gals on Are You Hot?.
But women don't lose the plot so easily. They stay focused on the issue, they simmer, come to a slow boil and finally let it bubble over. They need resolution.

Which is when you hear that dreaded line.
But, in truth, is she justified?
After all, we - again, men and women - do many small things in the course of a day to show we love and care.
They may seem minor, even insignificant. But they count.

Think about these examples that you may or may not have done:
Waking up early every morning to make your partner a cup of tea.
Dragging yourself out of bed early on your day off just to drive your partner to work.
Sitting through a movie that you hate, just because your partner is dying to see it.
Wearing an item of clothing that he bought you, even though it is not comfortable or the right shade or (gasp) makes you look fat
Keeping a smile on your face - and enough beer in the fridge - when the in-laws visit every week.
Taking the car for servicing even though she uses it most of the time.
Cooking him his favourite dish, even though you're on a killer diet.
Sacrificing a game of golf or soccer to help her with an assignment from the course she's taking.
Okay, not all these examples may impress you. But I'm pretty sure at least a couple will make you sit up and hear me.

Every couple has their own formula. He will do some things, and she does other things.
The problem is we get so used to it, we don't even notice it anymore. It's par for the course.
It's not just about flowers.
Let's change that. There's nothing like letting your loved one know that you appreciate what he or she is doing for you, however mundane it may be.
And, guys, some flowers may not be a bad call either.
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To a large extent, I agree with the writer. I remember how IS used to surprise me with deliveries of a bouquet of red roses every time I come back from Malaysia. Been a long time since I saw that delivery guy .. hhmmmm. I also remember the cute little trinkets he used to get me every now and then, soft cuddly bears, self-made miniature models of planes n sports cars, posh restaurant treats etc etc ... And of course the ever willingness to accompany me shopping at whichever mall I wanna visit for the weekend.

But then again, now I no longer have to brave the morning and evening peak-hour public transport crowds to get to and from work. Now I go on almost monthly all-expenses-paid trip to Malaysia to visit my family. (instead of only on the two Rayas) and my fussiness and fastidiousness are never trivial to him and my opinions always counts. (you have no idea how much satisfaction that gives me, since all my life I've always been the baby of the family)

HHm.. I guess it balances out yeah ?? Maybe the thingss he does now are lot less showy and dramatic like in the earlier days but they matter all the same. But echoing Pradeep Paul, THAT BOUQUET OF RED ROSES WOULD BE NICE TOO.......... hehehehe