There are times in relationships where words are not as important as actions. This is the difference between a declaration and a demonstration. A declaration is saying something while a demonstration is doing something. They can be quite different.

Here are three practical steps to putting some hands and feet on the difference between a declaration and a demonstration.

Pay attention - Notice and pay attention to what your partner is interested in and talking about. You can learn and notice a great deal when you pay attention. Paying attention is a form of love.

Think ahead - Anticipate future needs and take the necessary steps to meet these needs. This will demonstrate that you have been paying attention and are aware enough to use what you know.

Ask your partner these simple yet profound questions:

1. What does love look like to you? What you may think it looks like may be way different from what love looks like to them.

2. What are three things I need to do on a regular basis to show that I love you?

3. What are three things I need to avoid doing to show you that I love you?

Remember, declaration is not demonstration. Talking is not doing. Doing is doing. So go do.

Jeff Herring

Jeff is a marriage and family therapist, singles and relationship coach, mentor coach, speaker, syndicated relationship columnist and author.

Jeff has a full time private practice in Tallahassee in which he specializes in couples, teen and parent counseling. He also is a relationship coach specializing in working with couples and singles. Some of his professional activities include:

==> Internationally syndicated relationship columnist through Knight-Ridder/Tribune Media Services, with a weekly readership of over 10 million worldwide

==> Sought after speaker for organizations, associations, churches, and corporations

==>Twice weekly appearances on The Steve and Sara Show on Magic 107.1

==> Author of "Keep the Changes: 52 Tools for Successful Living" a collection of his best columns, as well as several e-books including "How to Create a Passionate and Loving Relationship.........Forever," "How to Beat the BOZOs: Dealing with difficult people without becoming one," and "Tame Your Teen: THE survival guide for parenting your teenager.

==> Founder and CEO of TheArticleGuy.com

==> Founder and CEO of SecretsofGreatRelationships.com

==> Founder and CEO of ParentingYourTeeanger.com

==> Founder and CEO of ToolsforSuccessfulLiving.com

==> President of BuildingYourIdealPractice.com

==> President of ConsciousDatingTallahassee.com