Two Day Magazine

It's as easy as ABC...

OK, maybe it is not always “easy,” but by applying your ABC’s you can boost your relationship to a whole new level.

What am I talking about? My bestselling book “A Happy You: Your Ultimate Prescription for Happiness” is an A-Z of how to have less stress and more happiness so you can create the life you want to live.

And here at twoday magazine, we thought it’s be fun to look at how these concepts of happiness in general can be applied to cultivating a happier relationship.

So let’s start with A: Appreciation.

Experiencing and expressing appreciation is one of the KEYS to a good relationship.

In fact, if this was the only thing you did, you could take your relationship to a whole new level.

As a society, we have such a strong tendency to focus on what is wrong.

In a relationship, this is often what your partner should do or should have done or should not do or should not have done.  It leaves you feeling disappointed and your partner feeling worthless.

There are so many reasons why being grateful can help your relationship.

The top 5 are:

1. It makes your partner feel good: Think about how it feels when you do something and someone else expresses gratitude? It feels great.  By appreciating your partner, their happiness, self-confidence and sense of purpose can soar.

2. It makes you feel good: One of the quickest way to be happier is to feel grateful for what you have in your life. When you express appreciation toward your partner, it helps you experience more joy, too

3. It increases the likelihood that what happened will occur again: Positive reinforcement (“thank you for…”) is more effective at increasing good behaviors than is nagging (“you didn’t…”).

4. It opens up communication: When your partner feels appreciated, they are more likely to be able to listen to feedback and openly discuss their feelings.

5. It makes you feel closer: When there is an air of gratitude between the two of you, your bond strengthens and you can feel closer emotionally, physically and even spiritually.

So, how can you be more appreciative in your relationship?

Everyday share with your partner AT LEAST one thing you appreciate about them: it may be something they did that day or in the past, it may be how they look or make you feel, it may be the love that they share with you.

Whatever it is, make sure you are sincere (comments like “You were less of a lazy slob today as compared to usual” do not count).

Taking the time to show your appreciation to your partner will not only enhance your relationship, but it will make you a happier you!

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For more on happiness, check out twodaymag's happiness expert and author, Dr. Elizabeth Lombardo's book: A Happy You: Your Ultimate Prescription for Happiness

Follow her on twitter: @DrELombardo