Show Don't Tell

Here's a hump-day question for you lovers of romance.

Would you rather your husband SHOW you he loves you, or TELL you he loves you?

I've been pondering this one this afternoon - as I am a romance writer, and I have a husband who is a shower. He tells me, too, yes. But sort of in that robotic way. The obligatory "I love you, bye" kind of way.

Now, for those of you who know him, he is a first generation American, born to Germans straight off the boat. Germans are very stoic sorts. They're gruff. They're a happy bunch when they've had a few brewskies. They're also not terribly lovey dovey. HOWEVER, back in the day, we were a schmoop-fest. Things change. Kids come. Diapers. Years of spit up in the hair. Later, up all night with sick tummies and snotty noses. The romance is sure to dim somewhat.

So, is it better to have your lover SHOW you they love you - by pulling some weeds? doing dishes? playing with the kids so you can take a night off? bringing home takeout?

Or would you rather a sudden, unexpected heartfelt hug to all the soap bubbles in the world? This tired mommy wants to know, what works for you?