Dear Annie: I’ve been married to a wonderful man for seven years, and we have a strong, loving relationship. However, after Valentine’s Day, I found myself feeling a bit sad.

In all our years together, my husband has never given me flowers — not for Valentine’s Day, our anniversary or any other special occasion. Gifts, in general, don’t seem to be on his radar. Instead, he prefers for us to split the cost of a nice dinner or a getaway, which I do appreciate.

But deep down, I wish he would do something romantic just for me — like surprising me with flowers or even a small necklace with a heart on it. It’s not about the price, but the thought behind it.

I don’t want to sound ungrateful, but I also don’t want to keep feeling disappointed year after year. How do I talk to him about this without making him feel like he’s failing as a husband? I’d love your advice on how to navigate this conversation and maybe help him understand why these small gestures mean so much to me. — Feeling Undervalued

Dear Feeling Undervalued: Everyone expresses love in different ways. Yours might be through thoughtful gifts, while your husband’s could be through physical affection or shared experiences. Understanding these differences is key to a strong relationship.

It’s important to recognize your own romantic needs and communicate them openly. If receiving small, meaningful gifts makes you feel loved, let your husband know in a kind and positive way. He may not realize how much these gestures mean to you, and a gentle conversation could make all the difference.

Read more Dear Annie and other advice columns.

“How Can I Forgive My Cheating Partner?” is out now! Annie Lane’s second anthology — featuring favorite columns on marriage, infidelity, communication and reconciliation — is available as a paperback and e-book. Visit Creators Publishing for more information. Send your questions for Annie Lane to [email protected].