Gratitude

One area of relationships that most couples seem to forget or undervalue is the need to outwardly express sincere gratitude. We might shower the other person with compliments when we are dating and still trying to win their heart. However, after we get married and begin our life together, we can begin to believe that it’s not as necessary. After all, we just doing the things that are expected for running a home and caring for kids, right? Sometimes we can forget to be appreciative, for long periods of time, so much so, that our spouse begins to feel frustrated and neglected. We may even begin to let the special things they do for us slip by without notice.

Any way you slice it, we all want to be appreciated, especially by those who love us. Life can be hard, tedious, and mundane, and we can become lazy or complacent in critical aspects of our relationship where we ought to be diligent. When it comes to gratitude, though, we need to keep a habit of thankfulness alive and flourishing throughout our whole marriage. Through it, we acknowledge and affirm the sacrifices we make each day for one another. Gratitude also encourages behavior changes when we are trying to strength and improve our relationship. It shows that you are paying attention and that you appreciate the efforts your spouse is trying to make for the betterment of your married life.

Gratitude is so important that many people leave well-paying jobs where they feel no appreciation in order to take less prestigious or lower paying jobs where their worth is recognized on a regular basis. My advice? Show some regular verbal appreciation for the most important person in your life (Yes…. It’s your spouse!).

ACTION STEP: This week, make more of an effort to thank your spouse for the little things that often go unnoticed.