Perhaps the biggest myth about a successful marriage is that the hard work of building a relationship is over once you get married.
The truth is that those who live “happily ever after” do so because they work on their relationship regularly. It may not be daily, but it takes persistent effort over time to keep the fires of love burning.
Keep in mind that both of you may be under seemingly perfect circumstances. Having fulfilling jobs that pay well and beautiful, well-behaved children are certainly perks, but that does not foster love between couples. To become an irresistible invitation to love, you must start with the appreciated little things.
Show Appreciation
When was the last time you said “thank you” to your significant other? Do you say such things when they do something meaningful? Or do you even thank them for items that you expect them to do daily?
For example, when one person does the dishes, takes out the trash, or performs a daily chore, their partner should acknowledge their appreciation for all they do around the house. A simple “thanks” can go a long way. While you may believe they should be doing their fair share, it makes a big difference when you appreciate what they do, even when expected.
By showing your appreciation, you are indicating that you care. You are putting into words what you feel about them.
Be Honest
There is a difference between being honest and being blunt. It would be best if you strived to express dissatisfaction by addressing how it makes you feel and not what you think your partner should’ve done. By putting the onus on you, it helps to open up the lines of communication.
One of the giant stopping blocks to having a loving, intimate relationship is letting the small things build up into significant issues. Addressing them immediately and in a manner that relates to how you feel and not what you think of them helps calm the situation and make your partner more open to communicating.
For example, saying, “I felt hurt when you … ” when they forgot something important that you feel they should’ve done, your partner sees what their action or inaction has done to you. At the very least, it is a starting point to resolving the situation immediately and not carrying grudges.
Do the Little Things
Although there is a place for the grand gesture, you will get far more traction from doing the little things each day to help grow your love. You start by saying thank you, but you expand upon that by offering little gifts, planning for getaways to spend time together, and creating new experiences that both of you can enjoy.
One of the best ways to rekindle any romance is to do new things together, even small things. Of course, this builds up the bonds in your relationship, but it also takes you back to when your relationship was new.
By doing all these things, you are becoming an irresistible invitation to love that will only grow over time.
