LIFE HABITS: Daily Practices for Lasting Well-Being (Life Habit 19)

LiifeHabit: Appreciate Your Romantic Partner Everyday

Benefit: A cool study in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that couples who regularly show appreciation and say thank you have happier and stronger relationships. When you show that you appreciate your partner every day, it makes your bond stronger and your love deeper. This simple act helps both of you feel valued and understood, creating a more joyful relationship.

In his book Flourish, Martin Seligman points out that “other people are the best way to lift yourself up when you’re feeling down.” In other words, focusing on building strong and healthy relationships not only improves your connections but also makes you feel happier and more fulfilled.

Overview: Small gestures like saying “thank you,” writing heartfelt notes, or recognizing your partner’s efforts can make a big difference in your relationship. These daily acts of appreciation help both of you feel valued and supported, leading to a deeper and more fulfilling connection. Consistently showing gratitude not only strengthens your bond but also enhances overall well-being and reduces stress, improving life for both of you.

LiifeHabit Guide

Appreciate Your Romantic Partner Everyday

1. Identify Imbalance: Start Each Day with a Compliment or Act of Love: Kick off your day by sharing a sincere compliment or a loving gesture with your partner. Whether you’re praising their appearance, acknowledging their efforts, or performing a simple act of kindness, make it personal. Examples include:
   • Say: “I love how thoughtful you were last night. It really made my day.”
   • Say: “I love you.”
   • Make them a coffee in the morning. 
   • Help with a morning task. Say: “Let me handle that for you this morning.”
   • Say: “I’m looking forward to spending the day with you” or “I’m so glad we’re starting another day together.”
   • Show physical affection, like a hug or a kiss. 
   • Share an uplifting thought or plan something enjoyable for the day.
2. Express Thanks Regularly: Make it a habit to thank your partner for both the big and small things they do. Be specific about what you’re grateful for to make it more meaningful. Example: “Thanks for handling the grocery shopping today. It’s such a relief to have that sorted.”
3. Write a Note or Send a Message: Surprise your partner with a thoughtful note or a text expressing your appreciation. It can be a brief message or a more detailed note. Try something like: “Just wanted to say I really appreciate everything you do for us. It doesn’t go unnoticed.”
4. Show Physical Affection: Infuse your daily routine with small acts of physical affection, such as hugs, kisses, or holding hands. These gestures can reinforce your appreciation. For example: Give your partner a warm hug and say, “I’m so grateful to have you in my life.”
5. Acknowledge and Celebrate Their Efforts: Take time to recognize and celebrate your partner’s efforts and achievements, whether personal or shared goals. Let them know you notice and care. For example: “I see how hard you’ve been working on your project. I’m really proud of you and excited for you!”
6. Embrace and Cherish the Moment: Finally, make sure your expressions of gratitude come from the heart. Spend a moment each day reflecting on how fortunate you are to have your partner in your life. Pause and think of three things you’re grateful for about them. Life is short, so remember to savor their presence and treasure every moment together.