Let’s face it: there are times when we all feel undervalued and underappreciated. Life is busy ... work, kids, bills, the list goes on. And at the bottom of the ladder is your relationship. In Lainie Anderson's recent quiz in Playing Mum, we were asked a few multiple choice questions:

1. The last time you had dinner alone with your partner was: a) in a restaurant; b) in front of the television; or c) in 2003.
2. The majority of your conversations are: a) over a glass of chilled white wine; b) over the heads of screaming children; c) via text message.
3. In the privacy of your marital bedroom you: a) have sex; b) have rows; c) have his and hers TV remote controls.
4. You last shared an intimate moment (with your partner): a) last night; b) last anniversary; c) last time you really wanted something.

And as Lainie said, "If your answers were mostly a), well hey, congratulations! I'm incredibly envious. If your answers were a tragic mix of b) and c), I’m very pleased to meet you. We have quite a lot in common."

Now, we here at MiningFM don’t think its rocket science. But even our blokes need a gentle reminder about simple things to keep their wife or partner happy.

More great ways to keep your wife/partner happy ...

1. Folding the washing (even if you do it badly); stacking the dishwasher; or getting up off the sofa first when one of the kids screams "Muuuuuuuuum" from their bed is an incredible turn on.  If we don't have to use the last of our energy doing any of these tasks you are far more likely to be in with a chance of some nooky later on.

2. Next time you go to the video store, get two DVDs: one you know she’ll love (yes even if it’s a romantic comedy) and also that jam-packed action thriller that you're keen to see. Start watching early, right from when the kids go to bed so you can watch hers first but still have enough time to see Van Dam pulp the bad guys. If you really want to earn some points, bring home a couple of Magnums as well.

3. Make the effort to do something special. Ring the baby sitter or mother-in-law to look after the kids, book the restaurant, and maybe even get a hair cut. For girls, it’s all about the fact that you have been thinking ahead to plan something special.

4. Can you cook. Even if you can't, she'll love it when you try.

5. Dress nicely for one. We know the trackies, flannies and stubbies are comfy, but you like her in the LBD (little black dress) so how about you put on the ensemble to turn her head. Simple but effective.

6. Be nice about her parents. Ask the outlaws over. (Yes, yes, it can be hard - but showing sensitivity in tough familial situations can be a massive point-scorer.) 

7. And we don't mean to harp, but flowers are ALWAYS a winner!