Taking one another for granted is like the kiss of death for any relationship.

The trouble is that couples often don’t realize it’s happening.

Over time “normality” sets in, and all those thoughtful gestures go out of the window.

It’s not that we don’t feel grateful for our other half, but all too often we forget to show it.

If you want your partner to feel appreciated, make sure they feel supported too.

That means being their shoulder to cry on when they’ve had a long hard day.

Whilst I will happily volunteer whatever I am feeling, my partner can be a bit more of a closed book unless I actively encourage him

Regularly check in with how they’ve been feeling lately. Encourage them to get any issues off their chest.

Especially when it comes to expressing gratitude, words can be powerful beyond belief.

All those thank yous add up.

When they are heartfelt they can reinforce the fact that you do fully see your partner. All the things they do for you are not going unnoticed.

Don’t let the little things slide.

In my home, my partner does the majority of the cooking. It’s become part of our normal routine.

When anything becomes routine, there is always a danger we stop appreciating it.

But every meal we sit down to I still make an effort to compliment him and say how thankful I am that he has prepared this delicious food for us.

During those early dating days, we give compliments freely. It’s a natural part of the wooing process.

Once we’ve won over our partner, those flattering comments can quickly dry up. When they do, your other half can start to feel unnoticed and neglected

You can praise their appearance, their intelligence, or certain talents that you admire. It’s all about letting them know that you see their strengths and unique qualities that make them special

Make time each day to listen to them

whilst most of us like to think of ourselves as good listeners

It’s about showing we are really listening, giving off the right cues to prove it, being mindful of potential distractions, and asking lots of thoughtful questions.

The wife spoke of how every single time her husband would pass her in the house, he would reach out and gently touch her in some way.

Science shows that regular touch is important to human beings. In fact, from the day we’re born until the day we die, we need physical contact.

Giving hugs, holding hands, cuddling, and kissing can make your partner feel appreciated.

After several years together I can honestly say, I find it more touching when my partner cleans out the fridge than when he suggests going out for a candlelit dinner.

I know, that makes me sound very unromantic. But I think it is also a common reality of long-term relationships.

aily life can bring plenty of stress and practical obligations that need to be dealt with.

Unloading the dishwasher, picking up the dry cleaning, driving the kids to soccer practice — life chores are an unavoidably large part of any relationship

That’s why stepping up and sharing those responsibilities proves you’re not taking the other person for granted.

You don’t expect them to pick up the slack for you. Instead, you go out of your way to lighten their load.

That means doing household chores or tasks without being asked and being an equal partner in managing daily responsibilities.

Encourage their interests, goals, and dreams

The keyword I most associate with being in a relationship is teamwork.

When we’re in a couple, we shouldn’t have to go it alone in life. Our partner is there to have our backs

I know he was trying to be practical rather than unkind, but over time this made her feel like he didn’t believe in her.