5 relationship-enhancing tips

5 relationship-enhancing tips

Great ways to reinforce respect, instill trust and be more loving as a couple.
Updated:
2009-10-30 13:22
Published:
2004-05-19 00:00
By 
Homemakers

Share your praise, be satisfied with yourself and know when to seek help

3. Compliment and praise each other
Notice some of the good things your spouse does, then say something positive about them. You can thank your partner for picking up your dry cleaning. Express appreciation for the ways that he is loving or supportive of you. Or you can just tell him what you love about him.

4. Improve yourself and your couple relationship will improve
You can't look to your spouse to fix the things that are wrong in your life. You have to take charge and take responsibility for making yourself happy. When you are busy and excited by your own life, the small things that used to anger or disappoint you about your spouse will lessen.

5. See a couple's therapist
You don't need to be ready to get a divorce before you go for therapy. If you feel unable to resolve a particular problem, or if you want to improve any aspect of your relationship, call and make an appointment with a couple therapist you feel comfortable with.



Carole-Anne Vatcher is a psychotherapist in Kingston, Ontario. She has been interviewed for Canadian Living, Homemakers and Reader's Digest magazines and has made guest appearances on CBC Radio, Canada AM, TVOntario, W Live and City TV's TalkTV. Visit Carole-Anne's website at www.kingstontherapy.com.

 

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5 relationship-enhancing tips

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  • kim tong wrote:

    May 25, 2004

    2009-09-22 10:48 AM

    I just read your article and that my boyfriend and I are not getting along right now, everything in this article explains us completely. i like the suggestion on the therapist. i would like us to go and see one because we are at the point where we might break up and I really do not want that. Our communication level is terrible we can't discuss anything anymore with out getting into a fight. We used to get along great but lately I don't know what is going on. These five steps sound like they would work I will let you know. thanks for this article.....kim
  • Nathalie wrote:

    Feb 08, 2005

    2009-09-22 10:49 AM

    I love this article because it celebrates the great part of love and relationships. I can say that my boyfriend and I are very close to incorporating all of these enhancing tips in our relationship. We haven't had to see a counsellor, however, it is nice to know that it is not just for the huge crisis, but for the everyday issues as well. Thank you
  • Nikki wrote:

    Oct 19, 2004

    2009-09-22 10:51 AM

    It is amazing how someone else can help you see through your problems before you can. Lately my boyfriend and I have had some serious conflict, but now that I can see a better way to communicate with him, it will help make things better. Thank you for the advice and keep it up! Nikki
  • Bridget Beretta wrote:

    Apr 26, 2006

    2009-11-18 3:02 PM

    I agree with all of your relationship-enhancing tips but what I'd like to add is that....When it comes to conflicts around an "issue" you may have with your partner, remember to always try your very best at "Separating" the issue or conflict from your partner and the love you have for them. Like many people do everyday with their children...They can dislike or not agree with what they may have done or do, BUT that doesn't usually ever stop them from "Loving them Unconditionally" while they work out the issue at hand. Perhaps this is what you'rr actually saying but when I put it in terms like I just did, my spouse understands exactly what I'm trying to convey. It might not be the easiest thing to do but the more you consciously work on it, the easier it becomes. It's a win-win scenario for both parties.
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