Actions speak louder than words

But you know, in a way, words are actions. Like making a promise, saying 'I do', etc. There's actually a concept about that called speech acts or so. Though the act in merely saying "I love you" doesn't say it as loud as something like taking time out to completely extinguish, say, your younger sister's fears over not getting into the college of her dreams, etc., so I get the idea you're going for...

Anyway, I'm not a very emotionally demonstative guy, I guess. If there's an extra mile I can go when the opportunity comes up, I'd do two, otherwise, I'm not very quote-unquote 'romantic' when it comes to doing stuff for family or significant others. It's a shame really - I love my family, and particularly my mom's been incredibly supportive of me through the years, and I've never found a good way of showing how much I appreciate everything. I could always say something cheesy, but that feels like cheating (see the title of the thread), and also to make us feel all embarrased and self-conscious isn't the idea. Doing or giving them something nice is nice, but it's best (I think) when it's something out of the blue and something they'd really appreciate. The bulk of my family is an enormous ocean away, and I have no idea what would knock her off her feet. Hmm... I'll think of something... But for now, I just do all the favors I can for everyone and bring back nice things when I visit. Hmmpf.

As far as significant others go, there's no one I'm seeing seriously now, though I guess being pretty affectionate and supportive made up for not actually being in love (with a capital L, I suppose) with the women that I've been involved with. So other than generosity and just being there for them in general, no grand epic displays of love there either. Hmmpf again.

Jam it back in, in the dark.