Ten years after Christopher Lee and Fann Wong got married, he says it is not enough to just mouth sweet nothings.
Knowing it is important to get his act together to maintain family harmony, the actor, 48, told Lianhe Zaobao: "No matter where I am, I'll never be dining or out alone with another woman unless it's for work."
Though he likes to socialise, Lee, who has a son with Wong, added that he had to alter his habits to ensure no misunderstanding on his wife's part.
Wong, 48, can testify to his considerate ways, revealing: "When he was working in Taiwan previously, he would video-call me to let me know his itinerary for the day, immediately after waking up and brushing his teeth."
The actress said she does not share this particular thoughtful touch, adding that that made him a little upset.
But Wong does not get edgy if Lee has to shoot intimate scenes for his shows.
The veteran, who has been in the industry long enough to adapt to the demands, said she has to respect his devotion to his craft, even if it means he gives his all in sizzling love scenes.
Incidentally, the couple have played on-screen lovers several times – the most notable one being Return Of The Condor Heroes (1998) – and reportedly fell in love while working on Looking For Stars in 2000.
As they cross the 10-year mark in their marriage, Wong said heart-to-heart talk is crucial.
Just as people upgrade their phones to keep up with technology, communication is "how you 'upgrade' your marriage".
But Wong has had to "downgrade" her career, being more selective over what jobs to take in a bid to spend more time with her son Zed who is now five years old.
Paying tribute to her, Lee said: "She still wants to work but she's also conscious of the sacrifices she has to make for our child."
