Last week my dentist extracted two of my teeth, subsequently turning me into a drooling, whiney, unable-to-eat-solids baby – then he sent me home to my boyfriend. Now this wasn’t the first time my dude has seen me lie helpless on the couch, groaning that I’m without a doubt on my deathbed (read: cold, flu and the time I sprained my neck), but as I watched him prepare smoothie after smoothie and keep me stocked with fresh spit-Kleenexes I realized he had once again risen to the challenge of playing my night in shining armor.

Now we gals don’t NEED a night in shining armor to rescue us from our ITIS’ but lets admit it, it’s a comfort to know our dude at least knows how to don a helmet and protective shield every once in a while. Here is a list of what my knight does that actually makes staying home sick now and then enjoyable:

• Soft little kisses on the forehead to show his concern and affection.
• Gently covering me with extra blankets as I doze on the couch.
• Finding amusing video’s on YouTube to keep me forever entertained (like "Titanic in 5 Seconds" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5LtYk7wsFnk).
• Scrubbing out the toilet when I tell him I feel like I’m going to be sick so I can at least retain some of my dignity while I yack. Following this, holding my hair and rubbing my back while I eject my lunch (now THAT’S love).
• Asking what I have cravings for, then rushing to buy it, prepare it, and serve it.
• Giving slow massages and back scratches in bed.
• Loading my favorite movies into the DVD player while I play dead on the couch.

What all these little things add up to is that he gives fully and completely, even when I’m not in any kind of state to reciprocate. Knowing that gives me such a comforting feeling and makes me feel safe and cared for, something every woman has the right to experience. So if your dude fails to perform at least a few of the above affections when you’re in need, it may be time to move your cute, sick little tush onto someone else’s chaise. On the other hand, if he passed with flying colours (and even created some of his own comfort tactics to boot!) treat him extra well when you recover – he is most certainly a keeper.