Why is it so important?
Gratitude can play a huge role in nurturing your relationship. It’s just as healthy for you to express your gratitude as it is for your partner to receive it. You’ll strengthen your bond, remind yourself every day why you love your partner, and you’ll feel better knowing you have so much to be grateful for.
Additionally, gratitude welcomes gratitude. The more you’re willing to show your vulnerability and tell your partner exactly what you’re thankful for, the more likely it is that they’ll do the same. Reciprocal gratitude breeds healthy relationships.
Not sure how to get started? Let’s cover a few easy ways to start expressing your gratitude today.
Say Thank You With Intention
The easiest way to express your gratitude is through what you say. You don’t have to give it any extra thought or prepare anything. If your partner does something you’re grateful for, say “thank you” immediately.
You can even go one step further and express why you’re so grateful for the action they took. It might seem like a small gesture, but it will go a long way for you both.
And if it feels like you keep missing opportunities for verbal exchanges of gratitude, I also recommend a gratitude board to hang on your refrigerator. Any white magnetic board will work. Simply write "Gratitude" at the top and it can be your place to write to your partner (and your partner to you) that you are grateful they took out the trash today, picked up their socks, moved the laundry into the dryer or woke up last night with the children.
Do Something Special
Actions often speak louder than words. By doing something special for your partner or something you know they’ll really enjoy, you can show them how thankful you are for them. It’s especially effective if it’s a little “surprise” they weren’t expecting.
That doesn’t mean you have to spend a lot of money or stress over doing something elaborate. Something like cooking their favorite meal or even giving them a “night off” from any household responsibilities so they can watch their favorite show can go a long way.
If you want to go a little “bigger,” why not take them on a date? So many relationships struggle because things become stagnant. You might think it’s normal to lose that “spark” or those feelings of butterflies you may have once had. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Small gestures can go a long way in making your partner feel cared for and appreciated.
Tell Others About How Great Your Partner Is
Don’t be afraid to share your gratitude with the world. We’re living in a time where sharing everything is easier than ever. So, tell your friends, family, and even people on social media about the things your partner does that you are thankful for.
This actually might end up being the biggest challenge for you. But, there’s a fine line between bragging about your partner and letting everyone know they deserve your recognition. When they see/hear you talking about them in such a positive way, it can give them an incredible boost.
Be Prepared to Give More Than You Receive
And don't keep track of who was more grateful this week. Strive to give more than you receive, and they’ll do the same. In the end, it will balance out beautifully. An underlying gratitude for one another will be an incredibly strong foundation to keep building upon and make for a stronger, more successful relationship.
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If you’re still not sure how to express gratitude to your partner, or you’re nervous about getting started, feel free to contact me. Together, we can go over more of these ideas and boost your confidence in thanking your partner for everything they do. I offer a complimentary phone consultation to all potential clients. To schedule yours in a matter of seconds, please check here.
To learn more about how counseling can help you on your parenting and relationship journey, please click here.
BRINGING BABY HOME: A NEW PARENT WORKSHOP IS GOING VIRTUAL!!!! A workshop for couples who are thinking about or planning to have a baby, who are expecting a baby or who have children already. Based on years of research and experience and developed by the Gottman Institute, this 12 hour workshop is designed to repair communication skills and jump start your relationship with your partner. For more information, please click here.
Jennifer Perera is a mom of two boys, a spouse and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She has a private practice in Cranford, New Jersey and also sees clients throughout New Jersey via telehealth. Her passion is helping new moms and dads find their joy again in parenthood through individual and couples counseling. She also runs workshops for new parents, teaching them techniques and strategies to help them have a stronger relationship - built to thrive during the parenthood years. Jennifer specializes in working with parents during the prenatal and postpartum periods and those coping with grief or loss issues surrounding pregnancy.
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