DEAR ABBY: Thank you for printing the letter from "Happy Again in San Diego," the woman who told you about writing a list of qualities she loved about her husband and how it helped her marriage.
My husband and I rarely celebrate anything but Christmas, but this year I decided to follow "Happy's" example and write a list of my own for Valentine's Day. In addition to the characteristics I find appealing about him, I included things that I appreciated -- for example, the fact that he has stopped smoking inside the house (I am a nonsmoker), and that he always remembers to pick up certain items that I like when he goes to the grocery store.
He was obviously touched by my efforts -- I thought he was going to burst into tears! We have been together for 26 years, and you know the old story -- "The spark had gone out of our marriage." Well, thanks to "Happy's" suggestion and a little time on my part, things have never been better.
So, Abby, a thousand thanks. You've really put a lift in my love life! -- DAWN IN PHOENIX
DEAR DAWN: And you put a lift in my spirits. Thanks for an upper of a letter. Others can learn from it. It takes only a second to jot down a kind word, and the result can be enjoyed for many years.