Appreciation Not Perfection

With the holidays right around the corner, we find that we have so much to anticipate. 

·        What plans do we have this year?

·        How do we have to adapt?

·        Will they like their gifts?

·        Will we all be healthy enough to get together this year?

We all have things to look forward to.  Just don’t get so caught up in waiting for the “perfect” time, the “perfect” gift, or the “perfect” words that you forget to enjoy the time you are spending in preparation for the holidays.

As a couple we tend to become oblivious to our partner’s wants and needs when we are focused on our to do lists and our holiday preparation.  This isn’t good for us, for our partners, or for our marriages. 

This week I want you to spend a few minutes  (in person or online) with your partner (or someone you care about).  

·        Let them talk. 

·        Listen to what they have to say and engage in a conversation that is both loving and supportive. 

·        Let them know that you care and that you want to know what’s going on in their life. 

·        Make sure to let them know at least two things that you love or appreciate about them.

Everybody needs to hear that they are important to someone.  They need to know that someone out there appreciates them and cares about them.  Imagine how you would feel if your partner does this for you. 

When you make appreciation a habit by doing it regularly, it gives your partner the desire to spend that time with you.  It makes them appreciate you and look forward to your time together. 

Even if your partner does not do the same for you, this action puts you in the appreciation mindset and you will talk more nicely and come from a place of love instead of projecting the stress of your to do list onto every aspect of your life.