It is often said that the little things are the most important in a
relationship. Equally, couples who have been married the longest will
tell you that communication is key to the longevity of their marriages.
Another thing that keeps love fresh is simple kindness, which sometimes
is not so simple. Remember "love is patient, love is kind"? Exactly!
So for those times when you just feel full of bursting with love and
need to let it out, or even when the lines of communication between you
and your SO stalls and you need to find something to keep the wheels
running smoothly. At those times, here are a few nice things you can say
to share the love, or to bring the smile back to his or her face.
1. Thank you - Appreciation, appreciation, appreciation. You'll be
surprised how far this goes. It is said that when you thank people for
what they've done, then they want to do more.
2. I respect you - Respect they say is reciprocal, but usually people
avoid simply saying it. Sure, there are ways to actively show that you
respect your SO, like listen to them when they speak, try to put some of
their suggestions into what you usually do, etc. However, there are
times you just have to say it.
3. I’m sorry - Need I add anything here? When you've messed up, please
learn to say sorry. When feelings are frayed and no one is sure who is
at fault, be the first to say I'm sorry. But be sincere, and use your
senses. If your SO has done something terrible, then let THEM do the
apologizing.
4. You look so fly - Yes, compliments are magic! Use
sparingly, or sprinkle with a free hand, but make sure to employ
compliments as part of your conversation arsenal.
5. Please - Another kind but often overlooked word. This word is
powerful enough to melt hearts and open doors, both physical and mental.
6. I trust you - Similar to I respect you, sometimes you just have to
throw this into your conversation to drive home the fact of how you
really feel about your partner and your relationship.
7. I’m on your side - When thir parties begin to crop up in your
conversations more than they used to, or when outside issues begin to
wear on your relationship, let your SO know where your loyalties lie,
and that is with him or her.
8. I’m listening - Are you really? Then show it. Face them, and really
listen, hear what they say and think about it, consider their side, step
into their shoes for a minute, and then tell them you're listening.
9. Good morning - I don't know how you start your morning, but if you
wake up at the same time with your partner, then a great way to start it
with a bang is just that. A good morning with a bang. Pun intended.
10. Your friends are so nice - Most of us are very close to our friends,
some of whom we had known even before we met our partners. And some of
us can be quite sensitive too about introducing our friends to our
spouses. So to make it easier, be kind. Look for the good points about
the friends, and talk about them. Invite them over sometimes, don't
frown when he/she asks to visit or spend time with them, and generally
be nice.