Most of us would agree that we all like to be appreciated once in a while. What about your spouse? When was the last time he showed appreciation to you? Or, better yet, when was the last time you showed appreciation to him?

Here’s the really cool thing about appreciation. When you begin to truly appreciate your spouse, it becomes nearly impossible to take that marriage for granted. And when you take the time to nurture a relationship in the proper way, the chances are very good that the other person involved will do the same. There are many simple steps that you can take to begin treating your spouse like the VIP of your life that he is.

1. Accept your spouse. Sure, your hubby may have a laundry list of annoying habits that seemed cute at the beginning of the relationship but now only serve to drive you completely batty. Guess what? Your husband probably has a similar laundry list that pertains to your irritating habits. Why get all worked up about the fact that your husband leaves the toothpaste cap off or never puts his shoes away? Accept your spouse for the human that he is, and you are guaranteed to appreciate him more.
2. Live each day as if it were your last. Okay, it may sound a tad fatalistic, but sometimes we really can’t appreciate the positives until we imagine life without them. Your husband would most definitely fit this bill. Even on your most tenuous day, your life with your spouse is always better than life without. Love your spouse for the gift that he is, and the appreciation is sure to follow.
3. Treat your spouse as you would a house guest. Isn’t it funny how we always bring out the fine china when company comes to call? We want visitors to feel welcome, comfortable and special. Shouldn’t we want the same for our spouse? Instead of saving your best behavior for guests, try some of those good habits out on your spouse. Remember to say “please” and “thank you” when appropriate, and politely listen to what he has to say without interrupting. Use your best manners with your hubby, and maybe you really will get him to be on his best behavior with you.
4. Put your spouse’s needs first. It’s actually not at all unusual for one person in a relationship to get apprehensive about the idea of always putting the other person first. After all, human nature says that we should always look out for number one, and if we cease to do so, we may become a doormat for the significant other in the relationship. However, in many cases, the opposite is actually true. Your husband is highly likely to appreciate the way you are showing appreciation to him by putting his needs and desires ahead of your own. What goes around often does come around.
5. Touch your spouse every day. There are very few people in life who do not respond positively to the power of human touch. By holding your husband’s hand, offering a hug or an impromptu back rub, you are showing your spouse that you are still as much in love with him as ever. And there is no better appreciation than that.

Appreciation is one of the cornerstones to a happy marriage. Even when you’ve had your fill of hubby leaving dirty laundry on the floor and dirty dishes in the sink, a simple act to show gratitude to that special person in your life will rekindle the flame like nothing else. Love is in the air.

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