Offer to read her a bedtime story, try choosing one that is appropriate for an 8-12 year old girl, maybe one with illustrations of cute animal babies, etc. Be sure you offer to let her choose a story for you to read for her. If she does not have a preference now, after you read her a few, she might have suggestions later on. Try to make this a weekly appreciation effort on your part. Offer to change up to a story slightly more adult, but never graphically adult unless she suggests it.
Some time, when she walks into a room, meet her eyes and smile slightly, and then try to express with just your eyes, how much she means to you, and how content you are with your life, because she is sharing that with you.
Offer to buy her a massage, and write her a note, (NOT purchased!) explaining that you missed her while she was gone and let her find it when she returns from the massage.
If you have children, arrange for a babysitter on a day that she would normally be alone with the kids, get her a nice card, and a flower, explaining that you wanted to give her some alone adult time for her to just be herself.
Take her window shopping!
Some evening, especially if she has either had a frazzled day, OR has spent some time on her appearance in some way, gently hold her and just breathe in her scent from around the back of her ear, or neck. If she gets fidgety or cuddly, tell her softly that she smells wonderful.
Text her or call her some time, and tell her that you were thinking of her, don’t try to have a conversation, just say that, and that you love her, then goodbye, then hang up.
Leave a note in your clothing, telling her you love her. MAKE SURE you specify HER name! (If you do laundry, make sure you remove and replace it so she will have a chance to find it someday.
Leave a note in her bag, or clothing, same thing!
Sometimes it pays to be humorous/silly. Give her a lollipop. or a balloon. Get a helium balloon, walk in with a serious look, and then in the helium voice recite some line that you both recognize from your past that was good times.
Be a hero, offer to slay the dragon and rescue her!
Be the villain sometimes so she can escape your evil clutches.
Don’t just be A man. Be HER man.
Good luck!
45