Nick Lachey might seem to take a stand-off approach to romance at times, but according to his current gal Vanessa Minnillo, the former 98 Degrees singer warms up easily.

The Disaster Movie star tells People that, unlike many guys, Lachey isn't reluctant to express his love.

"The L-word is not thrown around by men as easily as it is by women—but I didn't say it first!" Minnillo claims. "We're very open and vocal."

How sweet. But Nessie does admit that Nick can be distant at times—like when he's exercising. "We used to work out together, but we stopped," Minnillo reveals. "The guy runs forever! Like, I swear, he's running 11 miles a day. I can't run."

Try not to hold it against him, Vanessa; if you'd been through what he has, you'd be in the habit of hightailing it too.

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