Pamper Your Special Man

It's time to give it up for all the devoted husbands and boyfriends out there. There's lots of talk these days about how women need more "me time" in their lives, but the guys need a little pampering too. And let's face it; the men in your lives might need a little help from you. Here are ten great ways help your man stay happy and healthy-

Cliché, but true: the way to a man's heart is through his stomach. Surprise him with a fancy meal after a hard day at work. Of course, if you're as inept in the kitchen as I am, you can always order his favorite take-out and serve it to him with a smile (and on a fancy plate and a candlelit table).

Who doesn't like a good massage? Not only does massage help to relieve stress and tension, but also it's a great way to bond and renew romance with your partner.

Go ahead, let your husband vege out in front of the TV. We all need to space out a little sometimes, and those Sunday afternoon football games are his version of a spa day. Wash his car. No, really, I'm serious. Giving your husband's most cherished possession a shine might not be so romantic for you, but chances are likely that he'll look at you in a whole new way.

Take one for the team and cross something off his to-do list. Most likely, it's a chore he's been putting off for awhile. How about mowing that lawn, ladies? Could you think of it as extra excercise?

Splurge on an activity he loves and do it together. Whether it's tickets to a sporting event or shooting pool at his favorite bar, men love sharing their passions and hobbies with their wives.

Surprise him with a brown-bag lunch he can take to work. Even it's just a simple sandwich, the fact you took time out of your morning for him will make him feel great. While you're at it, leave a thought-provoking note in it, too.

Draw him a bath at the end of the day. Though a lot of guys won't admit to it, they'll feel like a whole new person after a nice, long soak.

Why not give him a facial (along with a promise not to tell his friends he let you do this)?

Stroke his manly side every so often (hey, outta' the gutter, please). Every man wants to hear how much you appreciate his mind, body, and soul. A little ego boost can have a big impact on his confidence and self-worth.

The best gift you could give your husband is your time. Present him with a gift certificate he can "cash in" at any time that guarantees one-on-one date time-a walk in the park, a day at the beach, or just watching a movie together.

Remember, you don't have to do something ornate, expensive or complicated to let your husband know you care. Simplicity-a touch, a glance, or a few words-goes a long way in keeping your relationship special.