Appreciate Each Other This Week
At Rising Relationship Center, we teach couples to express fondness and admiration to each other regularly. Consider taking 10 minutes to do this exercise from the Gottman Institute with your partner at some point over the week.
Take a few minutes and think about your favorite things about your partner. Choose 3 qualities from the list below (or make up your own!). For each quality you choose, think of an incident that demonstrates it. Share this with your partner, taking turns.
Loving, Sensitive, Brave, Intelligent, Thoughtful, Generous, Loyal, Truthful, Strong, Energetic, Sexy, Creative, Imaginative, Fun, Attractive, Interesting, Supportive, Funny, Considerate, Affectionate, Resourceful, Cheerful, Graceful, Elegant, Gracious, Playful, Caring, Exciting, Vulnerable, Committed, Expressive, Careful, Adventurous, Receptive, Reliable, Responsible, Dependable, Nurturing, Warm, Kind, Gentle, Witty, Relaxed, Beautiful, Handsome, Silly, Calm, friendly, A great parent, Protective, Assertive, Sweet, Tender, Powerful, Flexible, Understanding.
The only way to do this exercise wrong is to judge what qualities your partner chooses. If you start to think “Hey, why didn’t she choose Strong instead of Loyal?” stop yourself and listen with an open heart.
