At times, all one needs to do is think for a moment on how much those little “thank you’s” mean to your spouse. The thing is that relationships feed on appreciation, and showing gratitude toward your partner could make your bond stronger in ways you might never have thought were there.
Gratitude reminds them that we do indeed care, that we pay attention, and that we appreciate our loved ones. So, how can you be sure that your spouse knows just how much you value him or her? In this article, let’s indulge ourselves in the power of appreciation and the simple means through which you can actually convey it to your spouse. These ideas can bring lots of change in your relationship, be it kind words, thoughtful gestures, or a small surprise.
Why Showing Appreciation is Important in a Relationship
Start with this simple question: Why should I love my spouse? It is so slight that one wouldn’t pay attention to it unless it’s cultivated frequently. Just think about it for a moment. If someone is paying attention to your striving and appreciating what you do, don’t you feel so much better?
That’s what’s happening between you and your spouse. They will feel loved and happy enough to continue putting effort into the relationship when they feel appreciated. But this isn’t just making them happy. Many studies reveal that very often, people in big, happy, and resilient relationships thank their partner regularly.
Gratitude also fosters trust and minimizes conflict. So how do you show appreciation?
Say Thank You Often
Sounds too trite? Saying “thank you” is just that simple. It’s not stored for those grand gestures but treasured for the everyday little ones.
Do you want another glass of wine? Pay the husband not to make the coffee this morning. Thank him. Did they stop at the grocery store on the way home? Thank them. These are the little things that you will forget, so start doing them out of habit.
Here are just a few of what you might say:
- “I really appreciate your fixing dinner tonight. That was amazing!”
- “Thanks for babysitting the kids for me so I can get the rest of my work done.”
- “Thanks for listening to me vent today. That has been all just a bit of what I needed.”
A real “thank you” can make what would otherwise be a small act turn into a moment in time.
Scrawl little notes for your spouse. You don’t need a whole paragraph; sometimes just a note like “You’re amazing!” or “I love you” will suffice.
You can:
- Stick a note in the lunch box as they are leaving out in the morning.
- Stick a sticky on the bathroom mirror.
- Scatter a text in mid-day.
These small reminders to your spouse that you are thinking about them and that they are important to you.
Praise Them
Who doesn’t like compliments? Compliments are yet another fine way to show appreciation. They do not need to tell you how they look—though that is nice, too.
Praise your spouse for his talents, personality, or dedication to the relationship. Ideas include:
- “You’re so thoughtful.”
- “I like it that you always think about others.”
- “You are just such a good parent. A good parent like you is what our children need.”
- “I would like to thank you for your efforts at work. Your work is really superb.”
To be in agreement with your partner is, in itself, a true compliment, and it reinforces the good feeling you share with him or her.
Help Out Without Being Asked
Another way to contribute is by helping out without being asked. You’d find out when the spouse was tired or stressed by so much and do your best to lighten their load.
The way you show you care—that is to say, doing rather than saying—will be very definite indicators to them of the appreciation you have for everything they do.
For example, you could:
- Take time to do the dishes even though that is not your responsibility.
- Wash your spouse’s clothes without asking.
- Volunteer to cook dinner, especially when the spouse had a terrible day.
Some minute acts of service to your partner make him realize that he is doing it and you really see it and appreciate it.
Surprise Them with Thoughtful Gestures
You don’t have to blow the mind of another person when you surprise your partner. Trust me, the big ones are some pretty soft-thoughtfulnesses that add up.
Think about what your husband or wife likes and work that into the surprise. Bring home their favorite snack, favorite drink, plan a cozy movie night with the one they like best, or give a surprise hug or kiss.
These little surprises will remind your spouse that you’re thinking of him and are interested in making him happy.
Listen and Validate Their Feelings
Having someone really listen to you can indeed be one of the most effective ways to show appreciation. When your spouse comes to you with his thoughts, feelings, or concerns, offer him your undivided attention.
Not just to hear the words, but to understand and to be empathetic towards what he has to go through. Sometimes all they need to know is that you care.
You can say things like:
- “I am here for you.”
- “I understand how you are feeling.”
- “Thank you for sharing that with me.”
Being a good listener is worth much when valuing his feelings and appreciating him for being open before you.
Share in the Success
When your spouse succeeds at something big or little, be a celebrant! Whether it is one of their achievements in the workplace, personal wins, or something they have prepared for so long, let them know how proud you are of them.
Pride is, in fact, the best appreciation. Some of the ways to cherish include planning a special dinner, writing them a congratulatory card, or letting them know how proud you feel by the dedication they put forth.
Celebrating together makes teamwork and support in your relationship.
Conclusion: Appreciation Strengthens Love
To show your love will be shown through showing appreciation to your spouse, and it means making him feel valued and loved at the end of the day. It’s not about big gestures or expensive things but sometimes those little things every day that make a difference.
Whether it is words, acts of kindness, or simply a willingness to be helpful, working in gratitude will set your relationship aflame and bring you closer to one another.
Why wait? Find something your spouse does—whatever, no matter how insignificant. Point it out and let them know how you appreciate it.
Be surprised by how much of a difference it can make. Never forget that love grows tougher with appreciation.
chervil-middles-03@icloud.com