10 Rules for a Great Relationship
Today: Rule 8 – Savor every day
1. Accept and embrace your partner’s differences
2. Staying connected is more important than being right
3. You get out of it what you put into it
4. Regularly get out of your daily routine
5. Convey your partner’s importance to him or her
6. Fight fairly
7. Make the relationship a priority
8. Savor every day
9. Talk about your future together
10. Believe in the “fairy tale” aspects of love
Don’t take your partner for granted because tomorrow is not promised to any of us. Life
is full of a series of dynamic and unknown events. What we have today may not be there tomorrow. This observation is not intended to be negative or to suggest we should give up “because what difference does it make any way?” Rather, the philosophy to savor every day reminds us how fortunate we are to have the gift of life and to have someone with whom to share this gift.
Let’s take this philosophy to an extreme example. How would you treat your partner today if you knew they were going to die at midnight? I bet your day would be a lot different. How would you look at them? How would you hold them? What would you say? How would your relationship be different if you exercised this discipline for the next couple of weeks?
Take time every day to let your spouse or partner know how much you love him or her. Don’t assume they always know this – remind them. Consider some of these very simple ways to savor each day of your relationship:
- Say “I love you” each time you leave your partner’s presence (going to work, finishing a telephone call, etc.)
- Don’t miss an opportunity to hold hands when you are together
- Hug and kiss more often – it doesn’t always have to lead to something else
- Tell you partner how much you appreciate him or her
- Relive your first date
- Communicate the “positives” in the relationship
- Plan a weekend getaway
- Make your partner feel valued
- Say “thank you” more often when your partner does something generous
- Never underestimate the power of a love note – a quick note reminds your partner of your thoughtfulness
There are countless other ways to savor every day of your relationship. The point is to make sure to do something each day to remind yourself, and your partner, how important and meaningful your life together really is. Too often, people experience regret and disappointment when confronted with the circumstance of not previously taking enough time to show appreciation and love. Begin today, right now, to savor what you have. There’s no day better than this day to do this.
Next: Talk about your future together
Save Your Marriage. Get Free Advice Immediately from Mort Fertel.