All too often, we get caught in a rut and it’s so easy to take each other for granted. Also we  get caught up in a pattern of not expressing your appreciation of each other.  In most cases, couples get too busy and distracted with jobs, children and other activities that pull couples in different directions. So what can you do to really let your partner know how grateful you are for everything that they do?

I suggest that you think about all the special things that your partner does for you (and even better, how about making a list!)– not only physical things like taking out the garbage or making your favorite dinner. How about the way that your partner is sensitive to your feelings? Or makes an effort to be respectful to you in front of the kids and others? It’s all the little things that count as well as the big things of course. Once you have all these things in mind, it will be really easy for you to appreciate your partner and to show them how much everything they do for you means to you. Here are a few tips of mine I would like to share.

Show appreciation in your relationship by:

1. Making a point of always saying ‘thank you’ to each other, each and every time that your partner does something thoughtful for you or just for no reason. Thank them for being in your life and for being who they are. Thank your partner for working so hard and for being a good father or mother, etc.
2. Giving compliments to each other, as everyone likes to have positive reinforcement! Complimenting your partner on specific kindnesses will definitely let your partner know that you appreciate him/her or compliment them on how beautiful or handsome they look.
3. Be spontaneious and do something that’s important to him/her e.g. surprise your wife with flowers for no particular occasion – this will make her feel very special and appreciated. Bake him his favorite pastry, or surprise him with a sexy nightgown. Keep it exciting like the way it was in the begining of the relationship.
4. Always make an effort to work on any habits that annoy each other so that your partner knows that you are mindful of his/her feelings e.g. if it upsets your husband when you talk, text or are on Facebook on your cell phone during dinner time, make an effort to turn your phone off during this time. Make them feel that they are the center of attention and nothing else matters.
5. Always remember to say "I love you"… with meaning. Look into each other's eyes and say it. This may seem like a simple thing to do, but couples often forget to say these three words. Hearing them can make a huge impact on your relationship. Even saying, "I miss you" or "I've been thinking of you" will make positive impacts.