One of the most important things spouses can do is to show appreciation every day for each other. Too many spouses take each other for granted.  They expect the love they have to just last and last without doing anything.  This is false and dangerous.  Words that can help us understand the meaning and importance of appreciation are gratitude, thankfulness and gratefulness.  Spouses are to find ways to show daily how much they are grateful for their partners.  No day should pass without a spouse showing with words and action how much they love their partner.  When was the last time you said thank you to your spouse?  When was the last time you told your spouse they look lovely.  Remember, once is not enough.
ELEMENTS OF APPRECIATION
According to experts there are at least four elements of appreciation:
Acknowledgment: The first step each of us can take in expressing our appreciation to our partner is to acknowledge the things he or she does.  Expressing appreciation for the little things cumulatively builds a rock solid foundation.  Receiving acknowledgment helps each of us grow as individuals, and sometimes, just survive the daily hassles of hectic schedules, deadlines, and responsibilities in the various aspects of our lives.
Adoration: Praising each other for the qualities and attributes that make us special as individuals is crucial.  Taking the time to genuinely let each other know how much we admire each other's virtues brings joy to us and reinforces our continued individual and relationship growth.

Acceptance: Learning to accept each other as we are, rather than trying to change the other, is a difficult struggle and adjustment for most couples.  Accepting each other as we are is a vital part of expressing appreciation in a marriage.  Over time we actually appreciate the differences and see the benefits they bring to us as individuals and as partners.
Affirmation: Letting each other know how important we are to each other.  Affirmations are important in building and supporting each other's sense of self-esteem.  Affirming your spouse is a way of validating who they are.  When we affirm each other, we kindle the depths of the soul of our marriage."
HOW DO WE AFFIRM EACH OTHER?
Here are a few examples how you can affirm your spouse.  Hold hands in the car when you are at the stop light.  Wink at each other across a crowded room.  Give a love letter or card on days other than birthdays and anniversaries.  Jump surprisingly in the shower with her, but do not have sex.  Take him a bunch of hibiscus flowers you picked from your garden.  Rush out to give your wife a cool glass of water while she is cutting the grass with the lawn mower.  Say "good morning honey" to your spouse.  Tell your spouse "thank you for that wonderful sexual experience last night."  Drive each other to work occasionally.  Eat lunch together regularly.  Cuddle each other in the living room without sex on the agenda.  Go on a date every week.  Gossip about your spouse to your friends as often as possible.  Have a photo of your spouse on your desk at work or in your wallet.
HAPPY COUPLES LIVE LONGER
The latest research tells us that happy couples live longer and have healthier lives.  According to psychologist, Dr. Brent J. Atkinson, in his article "Emotion Intelligence" evidence suggests that those who succeed in their marriages will live an average of four years longer than those who don't (Gottman & Silver, 1999).  They will have an average of 35 percent less illness, have healthier immune systems, will be substantially less likely to become violent, homicidal, or suicidal, and less likely to experience an emotional or mental disorder.  They will have a lower risk of being involved in automobile accidents.  The children of those who succeed in their marriages will have fewer health problems, better academic performance, more social competence, less depression, less problems with social contact, more ability to regulate their emotions, lower heart rate physiological reactivity when experiencing negative emotions, and lower quantities of stress-related hormones circulating in their bodies.  Do all you can to keep your marriage healthy and happy.

Barrington Brennen is a marriage and family therapist. Send your questions to question@soencouragment.org or call 242-327-1980 or visit www.soencouragement.org.

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