A Little Appreciation Can Go a Long Way! by Kim Green-Spangler
When was the last time you let your partner know how much they mean to you? If Valentine's Day and anniversaries are the extent of your appreciation methods, perhaps it's time to shake things up a bit. Coincidentally, April marks couple appreciation month - the perfect time to set the foundation for a regular diet of appreciation for the rest of the year and the rest of your life together.
Appreciation is defined as the recognition of the quality, value, significance or magnitude of people and things.
In a committed relationship, ideally each person tries their best to make sure the other is happy and tries to always put their partner's needs above their own. It could be through a thought, a gesture or a kind word or acknowledgement. It's a tall order in today's busy world, when one is typically too busy to catch one's breath, but one that will keep a relationship strong and provide a solid foundation for the possibility of lots of sizzle!
8 Top Ways to a Fun, Happy, Tranquil and Spicy Relationship:
Give the gift of time and attention to your partner. Try to make time for each other everyday, preferably when the two of you can be alone to sit and talk, or simply be together.
In the same vein, allow each other time and space to enjoy the company of friends and pursue individual interests - without feeling guilty.
Participate in activities that your partner enjoys, even if they're not exactly your favorite things to do. Nothing says "I love you" like showing that you care about him/her enough to attempt something that is not your favorite thing. So make an effort to sit through a baseball/hockey/football game or chick flick for your partner.
Let romance flourish by writing notes, sending/picking flowers, making a nice meal or by simply touching or holding hands. The power of small gestures is huge in day to day living.
Try to communicate in ways that are acceptable to each partner and remember to really listen to their concerns, fears, and news. It's very easy to turn a deaf ear when dinner needs to be made, a repair has to be completed or children are interrupting. If full attention cannot be made, schedule a time to sit down and talk uninterrupted.
Trust your partner and make sure they know that they have your trust.
When disagreements occur, don't attack your partner, have disagreements in front of others or go to bed angry. That old practice really does have merit. Remember to choose appropriate battles - because some things that are really annoying today really don't matter in the long run.
If you and your partner have children - get a sitter on a regular basis and either go out or stay in. If you and your partner are not parents, don't become homebodies. Get out and date each other. Dates are not just for singles; they provide time for getting out, having fun and the opportunity to put dating etiquette to use again!
With schedules, deadlines, and responsibilities forever rising, showing your partner how much you cherish them does not even have to be time consuming. Here are a few super quick ways to let them know how much they mean to you in just a few minutes each day:
Leave a romantic voicemail or email message.
Leave a simple "I love you" note on a pillow, dashboard or in a briefcase or lunch bag.
Do a simple chore that will make his/her life easier.
When at the store pick up something that he/she really enjoys.
Give a compliment.
Showing a little appreciation to your partner will go a very long way to a lasting relationship. Feel free to use some or all of the previous tips as a basis for launching your own appreciation campaign. If it's been a long time coming, be prepared as you will either probably sweep your partner of his/her feet, or cause him/her to faint from surprise. Either way, you're guaranteed to make an impression.
