Dear Reader,

Healthy relationships can be a great source of support, comfort and love. But when you’re with someone day in and day out, it can be easy to grow irritated or take your partner for granted.

Make your spouse or partner a priority by:

Listening – Put aside distractions such as your phone and turn off the television. Give your full attention to your partner’s words and nonverbal cues. When the topic is complex, summarize what you’ve hear to make sure you understand. If your partner is describing a problem, focus on listening without planning what your next response will be. Don’t rush in with solutions or stories of similar problems you’ve faced. Ask, “Do you want me to just listen, or should I help think of some solutions?”
Complimenting – Be mindful of what your partner does for you and your relationship. Then, let your partner know what you appreciate about them, whether oral or written. This may seem awkward at first, but can become a natural habit over time.
Try new things – Say yes if your partner asks you to try a new activity, even if it’s out of your comfort zone. You may enjoy it more than you think. Even if it’s not your favorite activity, it can be a way to show support, have new adventures and make memories.
Showing kindness – You can build trust and closeness with simple gestures of kindness, such as emptying the dishwasher, buying a small, unexpected gift, or giving a much-needed foot massage. Ask your partner what types of gestures they would most appreciate.