Be funny.
Kind-spirited
humor can douse a hot argument, head off a fight, and turn the drudgery of
household responsibilities and planning into something witty, smart, and
hilarious. Stick with warm humor; sarcasm and snide remarks aren't
relationship-builders.
Be appreciative.
You can
never appreciate your honey too much. He or she needs to hear how much you
admire the way he or she gets the bills paid, organizes the kids' activities,
made that tasty shrimp scampi last night, rewired the basement, cleared out
three months' worth of old magazines from beside the couch, or got the trash
out to the curb just in time for pickup.
Be surprising.
Bring
home an unexpected little gift. Get the car serviced before he changes the oil.
Deliver breakfast in bed next Saturday (then pop on the TV for the kids and
lock your bedroom door).
Be forgetful.
Forgive your
spouse's human shortcomings, then forget them. Nobody's perfect, especially
under stress. (Hmmm...could that include you?) Graciously overlooking flaws,
errors, and gaffes sets a sweetly gracious tone for your relationship.
Be historical.
Play the
songs you two loved best when you were courting. Bring out your wedding album
after dinner and leaf through it together. Bring up the good times from your
past—you'll both get a glow and feel lifted up as you remember your passion.