Train Yourself to Appreciate the Little Things in the Relationship More

Thanks to chick flick movies and romantic novels, we are often under the false impression that grand acts of love are what keep the spark alive in a relationship. On the contrary, it’s the little things that remind us of why we fell in love with our partner in the first place. Unfortunately, couples get too comfortable over time, and the effort we were willing to invest in the beginning to please our significant other kind of wears off as it becomes more serious.

People think they have to bend over backwards to express their affection, but when you feel like you’re alienating your partner, the best way to win him or her over again is by paying attention to details. This means being able to appreciate everyday acts of love you haven’t been noticing before. Coming home to a clean apartment after a hard day at work, or getting an unexpected text saying “I’m thinking of you” to make your day are things that fuel the health of the relationship.

Learn how to appreciate these moments, and your love and respect for your partner will grow and get stronger. Here are some tips on how to be more attentive and show your partner that love is in the little things.

A SIMPLE “THANK YOU” CAN GO A LONG WAY

When in a serious relationship, people often forget that respect is an important number in the equation of success. Gratitude is a powerful tool for getting closer to people, and for letting them know you care. Not only for the big things, but also for the everyday helpful acts that actually make things better. Try acknowledging the importance of your partner by saying “thank you for being there for me.” Think of the times when your partner helped you through the toughest as well as the silliest times. Gratitude is not always expressed by words, but with deeds, so make sure to give as much as you receive.

LIVE IN THE MOMENT

Couples get caught up in the busyness of living, jealousy, and worrying about their own flaws. Have you ever caught yourself obsessing about whether your partner likes you the way you are, or whether he or she could do better than you?

This toxic overthinking can be a buzzkill and put an emotional wall in between. Living in the now is a way of thinking that can help in looking at things the way they truly are. The moment you understand your partner the way you understand yourself, all delusion gets wiped away.

Living in the moment is a skill that can be practiced. Changing the relationship atmosphere from time to time can get things going and rekindle the fire. Go for a spontaneous trip, do something crazy and unexpected, have fun and absorb every moment spent with your loved one.

Getting a dog together may just be what your relationship was missing. With their infinite happiness and the simple pleasure of being out and about, exploring the world, dogs are perfect examples of living life fully and carelessly. The canine mentality teaches us that life is what happens at the moment, and we should be fearless and joyful with every opportunity we encounter. A family dog can also reconnect people, reminding them that nothing has to be too complicated and too stressful. Taking care and loving a pooch could be your shared passion, both an activity and responsibility that may deepen your connection and turn into a bonding experience. There are numerous resources on family dogs, like Totally Goldens or similar, where you can learn all about canine care and what keeping a dog is all about.

BE A GOOD LISTENER

Relationships are a two-way street, so don’t forget to acknowledge your partner’s needs and wishes. Good listeners are those who make meaningful connections and sincere relationships. When you do all the talking, you make it all about yourself. In time, this can lead to resentment and misunderstanding.

Let your partner know you are truly listening. Engage in conversation by asking related questions, give advice on things that seem problematic, show compassion and comfort when your loved one is hurting. Sometimes just listening and saying nothing at all can be helpful. From time to time, everyone needs an emotional outlet, so be the pillar of support whenever needed.

A DAILY DOSE OF COMPLIMENTS CAN DO THE TRICK

A few years have passed and your romantic relationship has turned into a satisfactory relationship. Don’t think that just because you’re comfortable with each other, you are not required to shower your partner with compliments.

Compliment a sexy dress, an intoxicating perfume, or just simply notice that something is different (in a positive way, of course). Giving compliments is a nice way of saying you care. Your partner should always feel loved and wanted, not only on anniversaries and special occasions. This is a small gesture that can make a huge, positive impact on your relationship.

Love is not a boxed and neatly wrapped extravagant present. What makes a difference, in the long run, are the little things that communicate more than the flashiest words. Be the couple who understands that sometimes the trip is more important than the destination, that loving means showing it every single moment spent together, not only when the occasion requires it.