All photos taken by Michelle Np. Photography
Without gratitude in relationships, we can feel unloved or even grow resentment toward one another. It seems like a simple solution, but it’s one that many of us often overlook. If you’re having a hard time with your romantic partnerships then keep reading!
This post is all about 5 Ways to Show Gratitude in Relationships
Why Gratitude in Relationships is Important
We’ve all been in at least one relationship where we didn’t feel appreciated. Maybe we were even the ones who made our partner feel unappreciated. I know I’ve definitely been the girlfriend who took their partner for granted before. Gratitude is one of those things that’s so simple to implement and yet we often forget it.
Many of us fall into the trap of competing with our partners, making the relationship about winning instead of mutual respect and love. You end up caring more about being right and “not letting your guard down” because of pride. We confuse taking responsibility with admitting that something is our fault.
One of the best pieces of advice I received from a licensed therapist was that your relationship is a third entity and both people need to care for it in order for it to thrive. Suddenly your arguments aren’t about you vs them, it’s about your shared relationship and what’s best for it. Do you need to be right or can you take responsibility for your share because it’s what’s best for the relationship? Can you show appreciation for the relationship?
Without appreciation (gratitude) we feel unloved and maybe used in our relationships. A simple thank you and regular acts of kindness will drastically improve your dynamic.
Signs of Appreciation in a Relationship
If you’re in a relationship with a healthy gratitude practice you’re likely going to notice these key signs;
- You’re less irritable with one another.
- You feel loved.
- You willingly do things for one another.
- You enjoy time together as a couple.
- You trust one another fully.
How to Appreciate Someone You Love
1. Use Your Words
Seems a bit obvious, but tell them you appreciate them! Your partner may have no idea because they’re waiting to hear from you. Using our words is a powerful way to show our love and appreciation. The next time your partner does something you appreciate whether it’s washing the dishes, listening to your work issues, or buying your favorite snack, let them know that it doesn’t go unnoticed. A simple “I appreciate you” will go a long way.
2. Make a Kind Gesture
What is one thoughtful action you can take for your partner today? Maybe they’ve had a really long work day, wouldn’t it be nice for them to come home to a dinner you prepared? Or you can let them have control over the tv remote that night. There are a lot of small gestures we can make throughout the day to show our partners that we are thinking about them. This is a great way to show our appreciation. Take a minute to think about your partner and write a list of 10 thoughtful actions you could take this week to show your appreciation.
3. Get Them a Small Gift
Who doesn’t love presents?! Gifts are a fun token of our appreciation and can be a great way to show your partner how well you know them. You don’t need to splurge on the most expensive thing either, a gift could be as small as their favorite chocolate bar or flower. The more thoughtful you can be with your gift the more your partner will feel seen, heard, and appreciated.
4. Show them Affection
When was the last night you reached over and held your partner’s hand during a movie? or cuddled with them for a little bit before falling asleep? When we’re deprived of physical closeness with our partners we can slowly begin to feel unappreciated and even unloved. There are multiple studies out there on the importance of physical touch, even just hugging your partner for a few seconds per day can improve your general mood and wellbeing. Next time you see your partner smile and give them a big long hug, I promise they will immediately feel appreciated.
5. Plan a Special Date Night
Life can carry us away sometimes and before you know it it’s been weeks or even months since you last spent some quality time together. Planning an extra special date night is an amazing way to show gratitude to your partner. Again it comes down to thoughtfulness and how well you know your partner. A date night doesn’t need to be at a five-star restaurant, you can have a picnic at a local park or set up an at-home paint night. If you’re someone who struggles with date ideas try grabbing The Adventure Challenge: Couples Edition, this will also bring some spontaneity to the relationship and serve as a fun activity and date night.
There are many creative ways to show appreciation, and you know your partner better than anyone. Take the time to plan something special and begin practicing gratitude in your relationship, you’ll be amazed by the impact.
This post was all about 5 Ways to Show Gratitude in Relationships
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