An Encouraging List…

I recently read a “Dear Abby” column in which a woman wrote in telling all readers about how she rekindled the romance in her marriage. Her relationship with her husband had been in a complete rut so she decided to try something that worked for another couple she knows. On a piece of paper she wrote 50 reasons why she appreciates her husband and another 50 reasons why she loves him. She said that when she gave him her list he was so touched that he practically cried. The woman ended by saying that her marriage has never been better.

This doesn’t mean that all relationship problems can be solved with a list as above, but I’d be willing to bet that at the route of a lot of marriage problems is lack of motivation caused by lack of appreciation. That is sad, but true. So many husbands and wives just don’t feel appreciated by their partners. They feel that everything they do is in vain, so who can blame them for feeling burnt out and emotionally exhausted.

Take a few minutes to think about this…do you think that your partner deserves some appreciation? What are some things they do that deserve some good ol’ praise and thanks?

Get out your pen and paper and start writing. Below are some ideas for things you can include that should never go unappreciated.

1. I love the way you smile at me when I come in the door.
2. I love when you wake me up with a kiss
3. I love when you hug me for no reason
4. I love that you always ask me how my day was when I get home
5. I love that you try so hard to get along with my family, even when they are being difficult
6. I love when you approach me for a quickie
7. I love making out with you in the middle of a movie
8. I love watching you with our children, you are such an amazing father/mother
9. I love watching you with other people, you are so kind and selfless
10. I love that you always put the cap on the toothpaste just for me
11. I love making love to you in the middle of the afternoon when the sun is shining
12. I love when you give me our “secret wink” in public
13. I love when you take my hand while walking beside me
14. I love the way your eyes light up when you see me
15. I love when you get playful
16. I love feeling your strong arms around me at night as we fall asleep
17. I love the contentment I feel just sitting with you while we eat breakfast
18. I love the way your silky hair feels on my skin
19. I love when you lay your head on my chest
20. I love when you tell me how pretty I am
21. I love when you tell me how safe you feel in my arms
22. I love when you kiss my forehead
23. I love when you introduce me as your beautiful wife
24. I love when you introduce me as your gorgeous husband
25. I love when you turn off the TV to spend time with me
26. I love the way you listen so intently when I tell you about my day
27. I love that you always notice when I get my hair cut
28. I love that you always compliment me when I wear a new outfit
29. I love that let me read the comics first on Saturday
30. I love when you make love to me even though you are really tired and would prefer to sleep
31. I love that you appreciate all the things I do
32. I love that you never leave me by myself at a party
33. I love that you love to cuddle
34. I love when you greet me at the door in lingerie
35. I love when you tease me
36. I love when you make my favorite meal for supper, I feel so special
37. I love that you always dry the dishes because you know I hate doing it
38. I love that you never make me feel like a failure
39. I love that you don’t tell me what to do or how to do it
40. I love when you let me take charge and plan things
41. I love when you take charge and plan things
42. I love when you fill the car with gas so I won’t have to
43. I love when you leave me lovenotes to find

44. I love that you read relationship books for us