In the early stages of a relationship, showing love was easy. Going on dates, talking for hours and showing physical affection were priorities. After a few years of marriage, however, it can become easy to take a relationship for granted. The pressures of careers, children, schooling, keeping up a house and participating in the community can make it difficult to maintain the romance.

But it's just as important — if not more — to show love to your spouse now as it was when you were dating. Here are seven suggestions for showing love to your spouse without saying a word.

1. Hug

When I'm feeling frazzled, nothing makes me feel better than a hug from my husband — assuming that he is not the reason I'm feeling frazzled to begin with. When that is the case, hugs are always an important part of making up. Hugs communicate physical and emotional love and support. They say, "We're in this together."

2. Kiss

Remember when kissing was all you wanted to do when you were dating? Fast forward a few years and it's easy for a couple to get through a day without remembering to kiss. Don't take this important part of your relationship for granted. Kiss when you meet, when you leave and whenever else you feel like it. There is nothing wrong with inspiring the occasional "Ew! Gross!" from your children.

3. Do your spouse's household chores

Washing dishes and cleaning toilets does not make me feel romantic. In fact, doing those necessary chores sometimes makes me feel downright grumpy. When my husband does the dishes voluntarily, feelings of love and gratitude well up inside me every time. It can even be a turn-on. If my husband understood how well it works that way, I bet he'd do the dishes more often.

4. Pick a movie or TV show your spouse enjoys

My husband and I often enjoy the same movies; but like many couples, I have a greater appreciation for romantic comedies, while he likes a good action flick. Try choosing something your spouse will enjoy — without complaining. Snuggle close with a blanket and bowl of popcorn, and everyone wins.

5. Take your spouse to his/her favorite restaurant

My husband loves seafood, but just the smell of fish makes me feel queasy. He knows it's a sacrifice when I suggest we dine at a seafood restaurant, and I do it to show him that I love him. On those occasions, he returns the favor by making sure that I get to finish the meal with a decadent dessert.

6. Breakfast in bed

This is an oldie but a goodie. Serving your spouse breakfast in bed is a great way to show your love for him or her. It's great for Mother's Day, Father's Day and birthdays; but this may be especially effective on a day when it isn't expected.

7. Surprise your spouse with a meaningful gift

"You don't bring me flowers. You don't sing me love songs." That song was a hit because most spouses know that feeling at some point in a marriage. If it has been a while since you surprised your spouse with flowers, make today the day. If your spouse doesn't care for flowers, choose a gift that will be more meaningful.

It's important to say "I love you" frequently in a relationship; but it means even more when you regularly back up those words with loving actions.

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Are you wondering what is going through his or her mind? Here is what your teen wants you to know:

I want rules and boundaries

Jeannie Colvin, a licensed therapist who maintains the site FamiliesWithTeens.com, says your teen would tell you, "I need limits. I'm going to yell at you and react to them, but when you don't give me any, it makes me feel like I'm in charge. I may say that's what I want, but it really scares me."

Wiseman says that rules can also help your child get out of bad situations without losing face with friends: "I can't do that because my dad will kill me when he finds out."

I know I goofed up

Teens, even the "good" ones, occasionally do really stupid things. If your teen tells you about how she messed up, resist the urge to lecture or criticize. Patrick, a father and grandfather who volunteers with teens, says, "Resist the lecture and just listen. What they really need is unconditional love. They need to know you are there for them."

Your teen may shut you out if you lose your cool or say "I told you so." Listen calmly and communicate your support. Supporting your teen as she experiences consequences and finds her own solutions will be far more effective than any lecture.

I have a lot more going on than I am telling you

Diane, a mother of five, says her adult children regularly confess crazy things they did as teens that she knew nothing about. These were kids who got good grades and attended church and now have respectable jobs and college educations.

Even well-behaved teens are up to more than they share with their parents. Your child may not be involved in parties, sex, drugs, alcohol, eating disorders or other serious issues, but he probably knows kids who are. Keep in mind that you can't always identify a "good" kid by his appearance.

I want to trust you, but you need to earn it

You can't expect your teen to pour out her soul to you if your actions at other times show that she's not your top priority.Rosalind Wiseman, author of "Queen Bees and Wannabes," recommends scheduling a regular date with your teen. It might be spent in silence, but over time, your teen is more likely to talk to you about important issues when she knows you're available and willing to listen.

I just need you to be there-when I'm ready

Getting a teen to share what is going on in his mind can be challenging and will happen on his own schedule. It will mean a lot, and likely yield more conversations, if you can drop everything and listen when your teen is ready to talk. Parents who have successfully raised teens report that their kids were often most eager to talk after midnight.

It's true that you were a teen once, and you probably have valuable experiences to share. However, most teens are naturally self-centered, and when they do talk, they probably want to talk about themselves and their issues. If you have a helpful experience to share, keep it brief, or you'll be quickly tuned out.

Please don't compare me

Beware of comparing your teen with his or her siblings or friends, your friends' kids or yourself. Your teen is desperately trying to figure out who he is and how he fits in, and hearing "Why can't you be more like..." is never helpful. Chances are that kid you want yours to be more like has more problems than you realize, and your teen knows it.

I think about important things

Teens are coming of age in a world that thinks lightly of serious subjects like faith, relationships and community involvement. That doesn't mean your teen thinks lightly of them, even if you can't tell. Young people can be highly observant and have surely noticed when friends or family experienced the consequences of irresponsible choices. They are also capable of deep spiritual feelings and a sincere desire to help others. Look out, they might just make you proud.

Looking for more? Free To Choose Network and David Robinson, a former NBA MVP and Olympian basketball player, talk frankly with teenagers about the issues they face everyday, speaking candidly about their life experiences, families, and what forces influence them everyday.

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Wear everything twice

Most cruise passengers wear at least two outfits per day, for daytime and evening. If you are only going to wear an outfit for a few hours, there is no reason you can't mix-and-match the same pieces two or three times during the trip. Laundry facilities are available on some ships, or bring a travel-sized fabric deodorizer or detergent for quick freshening or sink washing, if needed.

Here are the basics for a 7-night warm weather cruise.

• 2 swimsuits

• 1-2 swimsuit cover-ups

• 1 formal outfit (suit and tie for men, nice dress for women)

• 2 slacks or skirts in neutral colors for non-formal dinners

• 3 dress shirts or tops for non-formal dinners

• 3-4 casual daytime outfits

• 1 sweater or jacket

• 1-2 sets of workout clothing (if you honestly expect to use them)

• Underwear for the entire trip

• Shoes for walking, the beach and formal. Bring as few as possible.

• Accessories

For a cruise in colder weather, like Alaska, you may need only one swimsuit, but more sweaters or other layers. If you are planning a hiking excursion in the jungle, pack appropriate clothing and footwear. Formal night and dressing for dinner are optional on many cruise lines, if you don't mind eating at the buffet instead of the main dining room. Consider your destinations and preferences and pack what you need, but plan for your clothing to do double or triple duty as often as possible. You'll need that extra space to bring home souvenirs.

Light, wrinkle-free fabrics

Polyester blends, rayon, and spandex knits won't wrinkle and take almost no space in a suitcase. Choose low-maintenance, breathable, and comfortable clothing and leave everything else at home.

Take only as much luggage as you can personally carry

Make your life easier, and less expensive, by limiting your luggage to one suitcase and one carry-on. Fewer bags mean fewer airline fees and less potential for lost luggage. Your stateroom will look less cluttered if you have fewer bags to store. You may have the option to exit the ship quicker at the end of your cruise if you can walk off with all your bags rather than waiting for your assigned time to search for your luggage at the port.

Pack a swimsuit and cover-up, a dinner outfit and a casual outfit in your carry-on, along with prescriptions, toiletries, sunscreen, camera and whatever else you feel is essential. In the unlikely event that an airline loses your luggage, or you're ready to try the pool or go to dinner before your luggage is delivered to your room, you'll be glad you did.

Details, Details

On our first Caribbean cruise, I packed a single can of spray sunscreen and it was used up on the first day. The tropical sun was so intense, we had no choice but to purchase sunscreen in the ship's gift shop for twice the amount we would have paid at home. Here are other items to consider packing:

• Plenty of sunscreen

• Ibuprofen and other medications you may need

• Camera, with extra batteries and memory card

• Waterproof pouch with belt to hold passports and money at the beach

• Binoculars

• Sun hat

• Personal electronics (e-reader, MP3 player, cell phone, tablet...)

• Chargers for personal electronics

• Reading material for beach

• Snacks, such as trail mix, individually bagged for the airport and when you're in port

• Ziploc bags and plastic grocery bags to separate wet things from dry

• Backpack or beach bag to tote what you need in port

• Extra hangers - especially if more than two in a room

What not to bring

• Beach towels. The cruise line provides these for the pool and beach.

• Denim. It's too hot and stiff, especially on tropical cruises.

• Bathrobes. Many cruise lines provide these in the cabins.

Cruises are even more fun when you know what to expect and come prepared.

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However, not every cruise is right for everyone. Here are five tips for finding the right cruise for you.

1. Itineraries

Where do you want to go? Does the white sand of Caribbean beaches or the dramatic scenery of Alaska appeal to you? How about a cruise through the Mediterranean or Baltic Seas of Europe? Adventurous travelers can even find cruises to the Galapagos Islands or Antarctica. Once you answer this question, your range of options will narrow considerably.

Don't forget to add the cost of flights and hotel rooms to the cost of a cruise. A 7-night Caribbean cruise from Miami may cost hundreds of dollars less than an Alaskan cruise from Seattle, but if you live in the Western U.S. and will spend a full day flying to Florida plus book a hotel room the night before departure, the cost of a short flight to Washington may level the playing field.

2. Scheduling

Travelers with flexible schedules will find more options and bargains than those who choose to travel on specific dates. Caribbean cruises are available year-round but are more expensive in the summer than in the spring or fall. Alaskan and Balkan cruises are only available during the summer and will be more expensive in July and August than in June or September.

3. Cost

As with most things in life, you will get what you pay for on a cruise. Travelers seeking the lowest price will probably be delighted with budget cruise lines, such as Carnival and Norwegian. Both offer a lot for the price. For travelers who prefer luxury and are willing to pay for it, lines such as Crystal and Silversea offer better quality service, food and amenities. Celebrity, Royal Caribbean, Princess, Disney, Holland America and others fall somewhere in-between, offering travelers ample opportunity to find the level of luxury they prefer.

4. Personality

Most cruise lines try to offer something for everyone, but ultimately some lines are more beloved by mature cruisers while others are preferred by younger travellers and families. On our last cruise, we met a young married couple who described themselves as "old-at-heart" because they liked the quieter, sophisticated style of cruise lines such as Celebrity, Princess or Holland America. Energetic travelers and families may prefer the kids clubs, rock climbing walls, cartoon characters and even hairy-chest contests on Royal Caribbean, Carnival or Norwegian.

On traditional cruises, passengers dress up for dinner and dine at the same table, with the same dining companions and waiters, at the same time every evening. It's an elegant experience and a fun way to meet new people. If traveling with a group of family and friends, an assigned table and time is a convenient way to be sure you'll meet each day to swap cruise stories. However, this style of dining is not for everyone and several cruise lines now offer guests the option of dressing casually, arriving at any time and sitting at a different table, (even a table for two) every evening. If you fall into the latter category, be sure to choose a cruise line, such as Norwegian or Celebrity, that offers a nontraditional dining plan.

5. Consider using a travel agent

The details of booking flights, hotels, and transportation, in addition to the cruise itself, can be confusing and overwhelming. When in doubt, don't hesitate to call a travel agent. Travel agencies usually offer competitive prices. Despite the added costs of convenience and customer service, they provide expertise and access to deals that will save you money. Travel agents often have personal experience with specific cruise lines and ports-of-call. A reputable agent will have the advice you need to plan your perfect cruise vacation.

Many resources exist to help travelers research cruise lines, ships and itineraries. Sites, such as expedia.com and travelocity.com, or the individual cruise line websites, are good places to find pricing, itineraries and reviews. Cruisecritic.com is a great place to find detailed reviews and information on every aspect of cruising. Find detailed information on ports-of-call at tripadvisor.com or published travel guides from your local library or book store.

Finding the right cruise may take time and effort, but it also part of the fun of planning a special and memorable vacation.

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Here are five tips for spicing up your resume and two things you should never do.

1. DO make your qualifications easy to read at a glance

Recruiters look for specific qualifications that are listed in the published job description. Make that information easy to find because your resume may get only a few seconds to make the cut.

• Organize your qualifications and accomplishments so they are easy to read.

• Use concise bullet points under headings like "Employment," "Education," and "Skills."

• Clearly state your objective and list the most recent and pertinent information first.

2. DO use action verbs

Begin each point with an action verb. Verbs like "Improved," "Saved," "Managed," and "Created" will make you look good.

3. DO be specific

How much money did the company save with your great idea? How many accounts or employees did you manage? How many people attended the successful company party you planned? Sometimes percentages tell a better story than numbers.

4. DO make your resume easy to share electronically

When you hear, "Send me your resume," the person requesting your resume probably expects to receive it via the internet. Paper resumes are becoming rare, but personal networking and a resume that is visually pleasing will never go out of style.

Save your resume as a PDF or equivalent format, so your resume will always look the way you intended. If you don't, your resume might look terrible if the reader does not have the same version of your word processing program.

5. DO ask for a second opinion

Simple grammar or spelling mistakes can ruin your chances with a hiring manager. Ask a trusted friend or a professional to look over your resume to ensure that is free of grammar, spelling and other errors. A fresh pair of eyes will catch mistakes and improve your chances of getting noticed for the right reasons.

Here is what you should never do on a resume:

1. DON'T exaggerate or falsify your accomplishments

Lying on your resume is wrong and will ruin your chances of ever being hired with that company. Everyone doesn't do it. Nor should you. There is nothing wrong with presenting real accomplishments in the best possible light - resumes are not the place for modesty - but don't imply anything that isn't true.

2. DON'T be cute

Family photos, pink marbled paper or frilly fonts might get you noticed, but not in a good way. One candidate got a laugh from the Human Resources department of a large organization when she mailed a shoe mounted on a block of wood with her resume. Her letter began, "Now that my foot is in the door..." It was memorable but seemed more desperate than professional.

Creative attention-getting efforts do work sometimes, but not everyone can pull it off and not every organization welcomes these tactics.

Good resumes and skilled employees will always be in demand, no matter how tough the job market. Put these resume tips to work for you.

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