Updated! – 5 Easy Ways To Show Your Partner Appreciation
It’s 6 AM on Monday. You rub your eyes and stretch. Your partner is doing their best to get out of bed, too. The next hour is a chaotic dance of getting ready for work, making breakfast, getting the kids ready for school, making coffee, prepping lunches.
After everyone is out the door and dropped off at school, you’re back in your car alone about to start your morning commute. You take a deep breath. And you realize –
In the hustle and bustle of the morning, you didn’t even say goodbye to your partner, let alone give them a kiss or thank them for turning off the coffeemaker and washing the dishes.
It’s so easy to get caught up in the everyday grind and forget to show appreciation to our partners.
Not only does this hinder our communication with our partners, but it also seriously takes a toll on a relationship over time.
Here are 5 easy ways to slow down and appreciate your partner more:
Leave A Note
A “Love Note” doesn’t have to be a long declaration of feelings given on a special occasion. It can be as easy as leaving a quick, “Thanks for all you did today” on their pillow before bed, a simple “I love you” or “You rock” on the bathroom mirror, or a fast “Have a great day!” note in their lunch. It isn’t always about the message – it’s about taking the moment to make a gesture of love and appreciation.
Make It A Date
Take your partner on a date night you know they’ll love. Maybe your standard is dinner and a movie, but is your partner a secret mini-golf fan? Surprise them with a date to their favorite course! This not only shows how much you care, but also how well you know them. Follow it up with a trip to their favorite restaurant or dessert spot.
Say “Thanks”
Sometimes, the easiest way to acknowledge your partner is just to say it. Even if it’s an everyday task, like taking out the trash, tell your partner how much it means to you that you can count on them to help out with those chores. Is their love language Physical Touch? Say it with a warm hug that shows your gratitude.
Give Them A Break
Let’s say your partner does the dishes every night before you go to bed. Give them a night off! Let them know you appreciate that they always take care of the dishes, but tonight you’d like to let them relax and you’ll take care of it. Giving them this short break shows how much you value their time and what they do to keep the household running.
Give A Compliment
Showing appreciation doesn’t always have to be about gratitude for completing chores. Sometimes it’s just about appreciating who your partner is. If they look great that day, tell them. If they comment on something, let them know you value their opinion and insight. If they tell a funny joke, laugh! And let them know you think they’re hilarious. Whatever it is that makes them special, make sure to tell them.
Appreciation Improves Communication
Communication improves naturally as a result of showing each other appreciation. Relationships grow because more positive experiences are created and the focus shifts from what your partner doesn’t do to what your partner DOES do well.
If you and your partner are struggling to communicate and appreciate each other, we’re here to help! Find out how we support relationship growth and positive communication here: