Thoughts For Today

Well, we have been engaged now for 4 (wonderful) months...With that, has come alot of (much appreciated) advice ... Today I thought I would post some of the most important ones, cause sometimes in our hectic lives we tend to forget...I think it is very important that we try and remind ourselves of these things daily...

15 Ways to Be a Better Partner

Talk. Talking may seem so basic, but believe it or not it is one of the most neglected aspects of a relationship. Sometimes one partner can take the other for granted or maybe they are just too tired at the end of the day to talk, but remember - talking need only be a recap of your day and it could lead to other discussions. Talking is the foundation of every relationship, so always remember to say something.

Listen. If talking is not your strong point, then listen to what your lover has to say. Perhaps she needs to communicate with you or get some things off her chest, or just vent about a lousy day. In any case, listening is a very important thing, because it shows that you care about what your loved one is thinking.

Appreciate. Say thank you - a lot. Don't take your partner - and all of the things he does for you - for granted. Try not to forget to let the other know how much you care. Love is a rare thing and always make sure your honey knows you are so happy to have them in your life.

Share. We learned in kindergarten that friends share, so why not share with your significant other - in every sense of the word! Share your lunch, your feelings, your theories. It’s a fact that sharing brings people closer.

Compliment. Don't forget to give a nice compliment every now and then. "Love your sweater", "Your hair looks so good today" and "Have you lost weight?" are all good choices. Make up a new one everyday - by looking for the positive things in your mate, you will soon forget to see the flaws. And you will also make your partner’s day!

Give. Give little gifts as often as you can. You don't need to spend a mint to show you care - you can even make something. If you see something that reminds you of your sweetie, get it for them. Just remember that everyone love to receive things!

Take. For as much as you give, also be a good taker. If a gift is offered to you, be gracious about it…your lover wanted to show you appreciation with a present so don't ruin the moment and say "you shouldn't have" or be apathetic about it! Say "THANK YOU" and give a hug and a kiss. It will make the moment magical.

Support. If your honey believes something you don't or says something you don't agree with, be sure to support her anyway. The worst you could do is contradict her in mixed company, so simply smile and put your arm around her. Additionally, if your boyfriend or girlfriend is looking for a job, show your support by helping with the search. Your companion deserves a higher level of respect so be sure to stand by him or her no matter what.

Defend. If someone or something is out to harm your soul mate, be sure to step up to their defense. It could be verbal slander, physical threats or even just work politics, but if it is in your power to do something to stand up for your lover, then do so.

Be honest. Don't sugar coat things just to keep your significant other happy. If something is bothering you, share it. If you are upset at the world, let her know why. If you don't want to go to a party, just tell him. You will find that not only will you be happier, but your relationship will benefit because you are communicating.

Make time. Your relationship should be one of the most (if not the most) important things in your life. Don't let the daily drudge get in the way of spending time with your loved one. Find the time to watch a movie or go for a walk or eat dinner together. Cancel other plans or meetings if necessary, but remember - how can you be "together" if you spend no time together?

Gather. Get together in groups for some new fun. Get a few couples together for a dinner, or let him tag along on a night out with your friends. Mixing up the crowd and making the group as diverse a possible puts the players (you and your honey) in a new scenario. You may discover a side to your lover you never saw before one-on-one and it could make you fall in love with them all over again.

Study. Bone up on topics the other likes - read about impressionism, listen to Blink 182, do a web search on Brad Pitt. You will have more to talk about (which we already know is always good) and you may discover that you really like football!

Care. Consider getting something to take care of together: a fish, a dog, a chia pet…whichever you prefer. Sometimes sharing responsibility can promote the idea that you are a team and bring you closer.

Laugh. Above all, be sure you laugh. If you don't have fun, it’s not worth it, right? Make jokes, tickle, play games - have fun, and your love will last for a long, long time.