Vulnerability is the courage to be yourself. Pull down your guard and allow your spouse in. Let them see your human and imperfect self. The more times you’re vulnerable, the stronger the bond. There is a certain intimacy of vulnerability that can become precious between you. Being vulnerable can be risky and thus scary; there […]
Open up. Be vulnerable. Read More »
When you and your spouse have different preferences on something, you could dig in your heals and insist on it going your way. But is that best for your marriage? *Sometimes, it makes more sense to yield to the preference of your spouse.* – Think about: – to whom does this matters more? – who
Go with your spouse’s preference. Read More »
“I am a better person because I am with you. You challenge and push me to do my best. You taught me to look at the world as …” – “You are a great teacher. I learned how to see problems as opportunities.”
Tell your spouse something you learned from them. Read More »
Your spouse did spend their growing years with their family. The family will forever be dear to them. Too often, people disparage their spouse’s family. Not a good idea. Don’t put them in the uncomfortable position of having to choose allegiances between their spouse and their family. You don’t have to love them all, but
Say something nice about your spouse’s family. Read More »
Ever run out of something you need? You know that frustration. Because you care for your spouse, you would like to help them avoid that frustration. Buy something that they are about to run out of. Favorite hand cream, coffee, snacks, paper, stamps. Or at the very least, remind them that it is running low
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Surprise your spouse with something unexpected. Out of nowhere. – “I was thinking of you today (like every day) and I remembered that when we just got married you used to like to [walk along the water’s edge/ go to the bookstore/whatever]. Let’s plan for that sometime this week.” “I know you like to put
Do it because you love and care about your spouse. Not for reciprocation or out of guilt or obligation. Just because you want to make a tiny part of their life easier or better. – Choose your clothing the night before so you don’t wake your spouse in the morning with opening and closing doors
Do something that your spouse will never know about Read More »
Of course, you thanked your spouse when you first received the gift. It is nice to hear it again from time to time. Possibly, even more meaningful, because it comes out of the blue. – Wearing a scarf your spouse gave you? Just mention it. “This is a great scarf you bought me.” Using something
Thank again for a gift Read More »
Keep track of potential “gifts” and make a wish list for them. All it takes is listening, and adding it to a running list in your phone. When they share about something they’d love to have or something that would make life easier or better, add it to the wish list. (For super techy people,
Keep track of their wishes Read More »
Do something that your spouse hates to do, but it just needs to get done so they do it. Like cleaning the bathroom, or filling the car. Or changing the lightbulb. And, don’t make a big deal about the fact you did it.
Do something that your spouse hates Read More »
