Do you sometimes catch yourself taking your partner for granted? Have you stopped noticing all the wonderful things they contribute and expressing genuine gratitude?

It’s so easy to slip into patterns where you focus on their flaws versus their gifts, criticize more than you appreciate. However, shifting your mindset to active admiration and respect can rekindle the love and passion in your relationship.

Here are some ways to practice appreciation and respect:

Express Daily Gratitude

Get in the habit of thanking your partner for the little things they do each day – making your coffee just how you like it, handling chores you dislike, remembering your family’s birthdays. Verbalizing gratitude for their efforts, no matter how small, cultivates appreciation.

One woman makes a point to thank her husband every night for making dinner. She says this habit made him feel truly valued.

Leave Appreciative Notes

Leave your partner surprised love notes expressing what you admire about them – their thoughtfulness, intelligence, sexiness, determination, sense of adventure. Put into writing all the qualities you treasure in them. Written praise means so much.

One girlfriend slips secret notes into her boyfriend’s gym bag listing things she loves about him. This constant appreciation gave his confidence a huge boost.

Praise Them in Front of Others

Brag about your partner in social settings – praise their cooking skills, work ethic, musical talents, prowess on the tennis court. Make sure others see why you’re so darn proud to be with this incredible human. Your public praise will make them feel amazing.

When our friend’s wife was nervous about a big presentation, he lavished praise on her public speaking skills to the whole dinner table. His vote of confidence meant everything to her.

Vocalize Admiration

Don’t just think appreciative thoughts – voice them. Share out loud when you’re struck by their intelligence, sexiness, determination, humor, compassion. We often forget to verbalize the admiration we feel in the moment.

One husband makes a point to tell his wife she’s beautiful every day. He says vocalizing his continual attraction keeps their bond strong.

Let Go of Critiques

Examine if you’ve gotten in the habit of criticizing more than appreciating – constantly pointing out their flaws, focusing on their mess-ups. Instead, catch yourself noticing their wonderful qualities. The more you appreciate, the more love flows.

If you need support rekindling mutual appreciation and respect, our Light Your Spark program can help. Visit www.lightyoursparks.com for more details.

Shifting your mindset to active admiration will bring you closer and reawaken your dormant passion.