Hugh Hefner may have a very different initial response than Dr. Laura. Yet the root of this issue is the same:

Loving your spouse but not feeling loved...

These feelings may evolve from a variety of "symptoms", yet the root of the problem is not feeling loved.

These feelings can occur as a relationship evolves and changes in behavior and actions follow. When this evolution happens and one or both spouses feel that there are too many negative results, then it's time to work on controlling that evolution.

Here are 3 steps that can be taken as relationships evolve to ensure that the needs of both are met and the evolutionary process is beneficial to the relationship.

Step #1 - Communication

There are many ways that we show our love to our spouse, they include acts of service (making meals, filling the gas tank in their car, doing one of "their chores" etc.) We also show our love with gentle touches, kind or encouraging words, a kiss or bedroom intimacy.

However, have you ever considered that one of the best ways to show your love is to engage in meaningful conversations where you are actually paying attention?

There may be times in a marriage when one spouse or the other is still in love, but doesn't feel like they are loved in return.

It's essential in all relationships that people communicate their needs and their perceptions of what their spouse needs.

Let's say the favorite part of your newlywed years was the leisurely Saturday mornings and a special brunch. Now your Saturdays are spent racing from one children's sporting event to the next. Or your spouse goes golfing or playing tennis with friends.

It may be a real disappointment that your special time with your spouse was lost. So it's important to discuss how much you enjoyed that time and figure out a way to create a new and improved special time.

Perhaps one spouse is feeling neglected as the other spouse has had increased work responsibilities that require them to be away from home more. Discussing these concerns will help find a way to resolve these feelings of neglect.

As far as feeling neglected goes, consider husbands and the HUGE transition that takes place as children are added to the equation. They know in their mind that the have to come second now because these new little babies can't do anything for themselves.

A new mothers life naturally becomes consumed with new responsibilities and needs and it's natural to put their husbands needs second. (I'll discuss the importance of solving this problem quickly in Step #3)

By communicating these feelings a discussion can follow where dad can become more involved with these responsibilities.

The wonderful thing about this evolution is Dad wins! He is blessed with developing a stronger relationship with their new baby, and his wife not only has more time for him, she feels a deeper love as he has made an extra effort to strengthen their marriage by taking some of her load.

Solving all of these issues requires communicating your needs and concerns.

Step #2 - Time Alone

This step easily follows the preceding step of communication because if you have regular time alone, then you are better able to communicate.

You need to have alone time with your spouse on a daily basis. Even if you have to make an appointment to meet every night at 9:10 p.m., then do it.

This daily time allows you to keep in touch with the joys and sorrows of the day, and deepens your love, commitment and ability to help one another.

In addition to daily time alone, you also need weekly time alone. You've heard me recommend on a regular basis the value and importance of having a weekly date night. Well, then do it! My husband and I have faithfully had weekly date nights and I'm convinced that is one of the wisest habits we ever developed.

Let me specify that these weekly date nights can be with others, just no kids. However, it is still important to be sure that at least once a month the date night is ALONE...no other couples. That's when you can really strengthen your marriage relationship.

Step 3 - Daily Affirmations

I think one of the most concise articles I've read about showing love or daily affirmations to your spouse is the article "The Daily Dozen of Marriage", by Dee W. Hadley, a family counselor. (Dee W. Hadley, "The Daily Dozen of Marriage," Ensign, March 1990, 35)

Here's just a few:

Spending 5 minutes a day thinking positive thoughts about your spouse; pay a genuine compliment; do an act of service; give a gesture of love; be courteous to all family members; forgive daily.

If you only did these 6, imagine the impact it would have on relieving frustration in your marriage. You certainly wouldn't feel unloved!

As I mentioned earlier, there are times when a spouse may feel neglected. These daily affirmations will all but cure that issue.

As a side note on neglect. There are marriages where a spouse or the marriage relationship as a whole is neglected in favor of meeting every need of their children. This mainly occurs becuase of the false belief that this will grow happy, well developed children.

Guess what, there is study after study now that shows the best way to grow healthy, well adapted children is to have a healthy, well adapted marriage. A strong marriage relationship where the parents relationship comes BEFORE that of the needs of the children will automatically trickle down to meeting the needs of the children in an appropriate way.

Think about it, if little Johnny sees a strong marriage relationship where love is expressed freely, service is offered regularly and he knows without a doubt that his mom loves his dad...won't the natural conclusion be that they love him too, that two lives can be made as one and the one is much better? What better message could we send to our children?

A couples love and service for each other will affect their children more positively than any other thing they could do for their children. So daily affirmations of your love to your spouse gives you a double payday. One with your spouse and one with your kids.

Don't wait, take a look today at where your marriage relationship is and where you would like it to evolve to. Just start now to apply these 3 simple steps and you'll be headed in the right direction.