- Express Gratitude Daily: Gratitude is a simple yet powerful gesture. Notice your partner’s small acts of kindness, and don’t hesitate to say "thank you" for even the most mundane tasks, such as preparing a meal, doing the dishes, or taking the time to listen to your concerns. Gratitude is not just about big actions but also small everyday things. Regularly expressing your appreciation shows your partner that you value what they do for you, strengthening a climate of respect and positivity.
- Give Sincere Compliments: Compliments are essential in boosting self-esteem and feeling valued in a relationship. Try to sincerely compliment your partner on their qualities, efforts, or achievements, even those that may seem modest. Compliments don’t have to be grandiose to have an impact; they can be about a particular effort at work, an act of kindness, or how your partner handles a difficult situation. A genuine compliment makes the other person feel recognized and appreciated, strengthening your connection.
- Listen with Attention and Presence: Attentive listening is one of your greatest gifts to offer your partner. When the other person speaks, take the time to listen fully without interrupting, judging, or immediately trying to solve a problem. Show interest in their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Active listening, accompanied by encouraging gestures like a smile or a nod, reinforces the feeling of being understood and valued. It also shows that you respect the other person’s point of view and value what they are going through.
- Revisit the Beginnings of Your Relationship: Reminiscing together about the early days of your relationship can be a powerful way to rekindle admiration and closeness. Talk about the moments that brought you together, the qualities that attracted you to each other, and the memorable events that marked the start of your relationship. By recalling what initially drew you to each other, you can rediscover that admiring gaze and the positive feelings that cemented your bond.
- Celebrate Each Other’s Successes and Positive Moments: Celebrations are not reserved for big occasions. Take the time to recognize and celebrate the small victories in your partner’s daily life, whether it’s a professional success, a personal goal achieved, or simply a good day. Celebrating together creates moments of shared joy and strengthens the feeling of mutual support.
- Create Moments of Appreciation and Sharing: Make it a habit to plan moments where you express what you appreciate in your relationship. These moments can be incorporated into your routine, like discussing what you admire in each other during a meal or while on a walk. These are precious opportunities to share compliments and reinforce mutual admiration.
- Practice Daily Gratitude: Gratitude goes beyond words and gestures; it reflects an attitude toward your partner. Adopting a daily gratitude practice creates an environment where each person feels valued. Whether it’s sweet words, a smile, or a simple “thank you,” every gesture of gratitude strengthens the emotional bond and establishes a positive and warm atmosphere.
These strategies will strengthen your relationship and enhance your closeness and shared happiness.
Warm regards,
Paulette Levesque, psychologist
Psychology and Wellness Centre
