How to Pamper & Spoil a Woman

Brand X Pictures/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images

Princess Diana once said, "Being a princess isn't all it's cracked up to be." This may be true, but that doesn't mean the woman in your life doesn't want to be treated like a princess. When you spoil the woman you love, she gets all the benefits of royalty without the problems of persistent paparazzi, snooty in-laws, and mandatory attendance at polo tournaments.

Massage

A study published in "Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine" found that massage increases levels of oxytocin, a hormone that promotes relaxation and bonding. If you don't think you're an especially skilled masseur, schedule an appointment at a spa. If you go the spa route, consider adding a mani-pedi, as many women feel pampered when they have their nails done.

Shopping

Whether you give her your credit card and tell her to go buy that dress she's had her eye on or escort her to her favorite shopping pavilion to try on shoes, she's sure to feel special. If fashion's not her thing, take her on a spree to buy new art supplies, backpacking gear or nice cookware. You don't have to break the bank. Simply stopping at a plant nursery and encouraging her to buy a new houseplant can be a sweet gift.

Small Things

You don't have to be a part of the royal family to make a woman feel like a princess. Doing thoughtful acts throughout the day can have a greater impact than larger ones. Try making her a cup of hot tea when she's up late at night studying for an exam. Surprise her with dinner after work -- and do the dishes. Run her a hot bubble bath after she's had a stressful day. Give her a foot rub. Leave a few hand-picked flowers lying on the seat of her car for no reason. If you keep the question "How can I made her feel special?" in your mind at all times, she'll be bowled over with your thoughtfulness.

Helping

Think about what the woman in your life absolutely hates to do. It might be washing the car, doing errands or taking the cat to the vet. Whatever it is, offer to help her out. Doing so shows relationship-saving thoughtfulness, according to psychotherapist Barton Goldsmith in "Psychology Today." She'll feel absolutely spoiled when she knows that you're stuck in traffic with her yowling Siamese kitty and that you don't mind because you love her. If you're not certain what you can help with, listen to her complaints for a day or two and you'll get a few ideas.