Breakfast is a big deal in my house. I find it funny because growing up, breakfast meant only Pop Tarts or cereal, whatever was quick and convenient. We rarely had time to sit down and eat together. Eggs and toast were unheard of on the weekday, and it was rarely a possibility on the weekend and only happened if we didn’t oversleep.

When I started dating my husband, I had no idea of the breakfast expectations involved. His mother made eggs and bacon for a family of four boys every morning. On special occasions she’d make breakfast sandwiches or bagels. Needless to say, I had big shoes to fill.

Now that we’re married and living together, it’s become a kind of routine that I do the cooking (fortunately I love to cook.) But is it an unspoken rule that the woman cooks at home and the guy buys when they go out? It’s still unclear. Regardless, I know my husband loves me not because he takes me out to fancy dinners but because he makes pancakes for me every Sunday. I’m so used to being in the kitchen, cooking like a maniac while he works that I look forward to Sunday mornings when I can just relax with a cup of coffee and chat with my husband while he flips some flapjacks.

Some people have designated date nights at their favorite restaurant, but starting a tradition at home is cheap and personal. Figure out a meal you and your significant other could have that’s just yours. Spaghetti and meatballs every Monday? Ice cream Sundays? Find something the suits your schedule and set aside that time.

And the best part? Sometimes they’re heart shaped.

(Also, this cute post verifies that we’re not alone in thinking that pancakes are key to a happy relationship.)

Alexia Detweiler married her high school sweetheart in June 2011 and has been using him as a guinea pig for her cooking since. They recently bought their first house, which is complete with Jen Air stove and oven.