Actions That Can Make An Immediate Difference
The following is not a list to tell you what you should or should not do in your marriage or relationship. Rather it is a list of possible actions that you might consider that can immediately shift the atmosphere in your relationship or home.
- Make a point of greeting your spouse when you see each after a day at work with a kiss, a hug, or simply “hello!”
- Phone when you are going to be later than expected
- Use one another’s name when speaking to each other
- Be home when you say you are going to be home or call to explain
What is your relationship attachment style? Take this quiz and find out.
- Give up a “singles” activity that separates you or causes discord
- Make a point of saying “good night” to one another before going to bed
- Leave a note for your spouse in the morning if you’re leaving before the other awakens. Keep it simple, such as “Good morning”, “Have a nice day”, “You’re special”, “I enjoyed last night”
- Cease all swearing or name calling
- Do an extra chore around the house
- Pick up after yourself, if you have a habit of leaving things lying around
- Turn off the TV earlier than usual
- If your spouse is a TV watcher and you aren’t, sit and watch TV together for one program
Find an activity you can do together - Acknowledge a special quality of your spouse in every dialogue letter
- Cease all criticism
- Call during the day just to say hi. Keep the conversation short. Don’t go on and on.
- Participate in your community together
Click here to take one of our self-tests to learn more about yourself.
Go to the next journaling exercise: My Life Path
Click here to download the pdf version.
*Journaling exercises written by Cort Curtis, Ph.D, used with permission.
