12 Sweet and Simple Ways to Show Your Spouse Gratitude
12 Sweet and Simple Ways to Show Your Spouse Gratitude
Description
While I think it is important for us to come from a place of gratitude throughout the year, I am thankful for a month in which the desire to do so becomes more prevalent. I love looking through my Twitter and Instagram feed and Facebook timelines and reading reasons why people are thankful. And I love the idea of vocally expressing our thanks and especially giving them (thanks). What I am most grateful for this time of year is the power that lies in the 30 days in which so many of us express our gratitude.
During the time in which my husband exchanged sticky notes, each of them starting with the words “thank you,” I was reminded of the power of appreciation. Not only did I notice that it impacted the way my husband and I interacted with each other, but it also impacted the way I perceived him. Yes, I was grateful for him. I was grateful for the fact that he was a part of my life, but what about all of the little things he did to make my life better, easier even? The things that I overlooked as I texted him to ask if he remembered to pay the bills, or to remind him to please not mix the light colored clothes with the darker colored clothes. The things that I admit I sometimes took for granted, because I had come to expect them. In me taking the time to write out a thank you and engaging in #writtengratitude, I let my husband know that not only did I see what he was doing each and every day, but I was grateful for it as well.
As we continue into this season of thanks, I wanted to share some ways that we can show our spouses gratitude. What I love most about the season of thankfulness is that if we genuinely come from a place of gratitude, most often it spills into the seasons after. The thing about gratitude, as Melody Beattie put it:
“[Gratitude] turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos into order, confusion into clarity…it makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.”
Here are 12 sweet and simple ways to show your spouse gratitude:
Write a note
Write them a note or letter expressing your appreciation.
Give them a hug and/or kiss
Never underestimate the power of the human touch.
Listen to them
I mean really listen. Perhaps you know they have wanted to share something or get something off their chest, but in the daily hustle and bustle, you just haven't made the time to sit and connect. Make the time. Sit down with them, and give them your undivided attention.
Spend quality time with them
While listening is important, sometimes we just crave the desire to be close to our loved ones. Sometimes sitting side-by-side while watching a favorite television show or cuddling before bed is enough.
Do something without them asking
Fill up their car with gas, help prepare dinner, vacuum the floor, or mow the lawn. Offer to help your spouse complete a task without them asking for your help.
Remind them you are in their corner
Sure we know our spouses are there for us, but sometimes we just need to hear it. On hard days especially, hearing your spouse say "I believe in you," "I'm here for you," or "I'm in your corner" can make a world of difference.
Exercise patience
Sometimes we fail to exercise patience when it comes to our loved ones. Make more of an effort to be patient.
Act like they matter!
You tell your spouse you love them and appreciate them, but do your actions show it? Do you snap at them and insult them with your words? Even if you don't mean it to be, such behavior can be hurtful. If your spouse is important to you, act like it!
Ask them about their day
Sometimes, we are so quick to get straight to business, telling our spouse what happened at school with the kids or that we have a doctor's appointment next week and will need them to do morning drop off — but what about the small talk? When was the last time you asked your spouse how their day was?
Say thank you
As parents, we make it a point to teach our children to say please and thank you, and we always remember to say it when it comes to coworkers, friends, and even complete strangers. But what about our spouse? How wonderful is it to hear the words "thank you"?
Be kind
Treat your spouse in a kind and caring manner.
Thank them publicly
While saying thank you is wonderful, sometimes saying it publicly can be even more meaningful. Give a speech or make a toast during a holiday dinner. Take the time to let your spouse and everyone else around you know how much they matter.
While public recognition isn't everything for some people, experiencing it from time to time feels nice. And don't think it has to be an audience of strangers either — telling your spouse how you feel in front of your children can leave a lasting impression on both your spouse and your little ones.
Description
In the movie The Cable Guy, Chip Douglas (Jim Carrey) goes coo coo for Stewart (Matthew Broderick), his new BFF (in his head). It’s a great dark comedy but what happens when life imitates art, and you suddenly realize you’re dating a Stage 5 Clinger like Chip Douglas? It’s the absolute worst dating experience ever.
For me, it all happened so fast. I was on a movie date one minute and in a committed relationship the next. Only I hadn’t agreed to a relationship status change. Next thing you know I’m at work and my coworker walks over to me to tell me, “Hey Tab, some guy is standing by your car with flowers.” I didn’t know whether to be flattered or get a restraining order. He then followed his bold display of attention by telling me that his lease was almost up, and he didn’t know where he was moving yet. Well, it ain’t with me!
As I said, a needy man is no good! Dating one can be intense and just annoying. Do you want to know if your guy is a Stage 5 Clinger? Check out these signs.
Rapid Fire Texting
Is your phone vibrating so much you feel like you secretly have a pocket rocket in your pants? You answer one text with a casual response and he replies with five long texts, recounting the saga of the day or how he cannot stop thinking about you. Unless the long-whinded texts and neediness are mutual, this is not normal behavior in the beginning of a relationship. Play it cool man!
Desperately Seeking the Next Date
I have a busy social calendar. I also don’t want to come across to men as easily available. So I don’t agree to a second date directly after the first. Captain Clingy will not respect these boundaries and will push every single day for a second date. The more desperate he becomes, the more extravagant the dates. He has no life or focus other than you, and you will be able to sense his obsession.
I’ll Find You – Checking In
If someone is always trying to find out, when, where and who you are with after only one date, that’s a red flag. Even worse: he questions the validity of your statements, like, “Are you really at the mall? You don’t want to end up on “Cheaters” to explain to America that you aren’t really in a relationship with this psycho, right?
Family and Friend Facebook Requests
Yes, this actually happens! You have gone on one date and this guy’s family and friends are sending you friend requests. You even begin receiving messages stating “you are all he’s talking about” and “you will fit in with the family so well.” You better adjust your privacy settings fast! Restrict who can send you friend requests for a little while before you have a second family!
Need a Title Now
You’ve only been on one date and he’s already pushing for a title. Uh, absolutely not. You don’t even know this guy! Pushing for a title this quickly is a huge sign of insecurity. Imagine meeting his friends, and he introduces you as his girlfriend. They ask how long you’ve been dating and you reply, “Oh…about two days.” Can we say weird? Before you let someone talk you into a title, get to know them.
If the man or woman you are dating is exhibiting one of these signs, you need to rethink this relationship. Cause his Cable Guy-style neediness and clininess may just mean he’s cray.
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