1 Thessalonians 5:11: “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
The above verse shows us how important it is to build one another up, especially in our relationships. The world’s leading marriage researchers, The Gottman Institute, have discovered that couples who compliment each other 7-9 times for every criticism, stay married. Couples who compliment 3 or less times for every criticism don’t.
When you notice the little things your partner does and how they make you smile, they feel validated. Validation is a powerful thing. Affirmation, encouragement, and appreciation motivate people towards peak performance much better than criticism and correction.
Question: Take some time to tell your partner (3) things that you love about them.
TRY THIS AT HOME:
Dr. John Gottman found that happy couples succeed by frequently scanning their environment for ways of appreciating each other. Here are some simple ways Dr. Gottman suggests for expressing genuine appreciation, admiration, and respect:
- Express affection
- Give compliments
- Surprise presents (go for the thought, not the price tag!)
- Share silly and/or romantic poems
- Ask, “What can I do next week to make you feel more loved?”