Dr. Laura Blog

You do things for each other. You and your spouse trade off cooking, taking the kids out, walking the dog, etc. You do things for each other to help lighten each other’s load.

You put the electronics away. Eye contact increases intimacy and makes people feel more bonded.

You have rituals. Rituals are very important in every aspect of life. When you get up in the morning, kiss each other, even if both of you have morning breath. Every time you come home or come back together, hug.

You compliment each other. Compliments should outnumber criticisms 5 to 1. So, for every criticism you level at your spouse, you need five compliments that are sincere. If you aren’t going to compliment, don’t you dare criticize because all you are doing is poisoning the water. You need to show your appreciation for one another.

You look at each other and smile. Having someone look at you and smile is one of the most fabulous feelings in the world.