No matter how many nights you spend sleeping next to your spouse, you’ll never become them. They have their own thoughts, personality and preferences. This means that it’s never a

good idea to simply assume that you know what they want and need from you at any given time. A lot of couples disconnect from one another, sometimes without even

really noticing, because they fall into the routine of “I know how you are, so I’ll do what I’ve always done.” You can take your relationship to new heights (and

depths) by simply asking your spouse "Love, what do you need from me today?"

Are you a good listener? Don’t answer this question without asking your spouse first. Listening does not only consist of merely hearing what your spouse says. Listening is about bringing

thoughtful and considerate attention to the conversation, allowing them to finish their sentences and thinking before responding (if a response is needed at all). A great way to handle the

information your spouse presents to you is to ask “Is there something I can do to help, or do you just need an ear right now?” This alone will make

them feel like you really get where they are coming from.

Touch is powerful and spouses need it! It’s a huge misconception to believe that the most touching should happen in the bedroom. Not at all. Kisses on the forehead, hugs for

"no reason", cuddling on the couch, touching hands during a conversation, holding faces when you’re feeling down---all of this creates a sense of warmth, comfort and real connection. Who doesn’t

need that?

When’s the last time you wrote your spouse a love letter, brought them lunch at work or sent a thoughtful email? When’s the last time they did all of this

for you? When the little things go overlooked, it can turn into big resentments over time. Don’t let this week pass you by without sending them a thoughtful text every

hour they’re at work, making their favorite dinner, offering to give a back massage, doing the chore they hate most for them, affirming them in public---or anything else thoughtful that

comes to mind (click here for some other ideas). You never know how that just might brighten their day in a really BIG way.

A lot of marriages fail because couples put the Golden Rule into practice everywhere BUT in their relationship. Do you treat your spouse the way that you want to be

treated? Are you patient? Are you forgiving? Do you make time for the relationship? When they make sexual advances, do you embrace them or slap their hand away? Do you

find ways to be romantic and spontaneous? Are you a safe place for them to share their innermost vulnerabilities? Offering your spouse the love, care and concern that you wish

to receive from them is one of the best ways to get it back in return.

Empathy means “the ability to understand and share the feelings of another”. A person who’s empathetic is not only feeling bad for another person, but actually trying to put themselves in

their shoes (emotionally). If your spouse recently lost their job, how would you feel if that happened to you? Does your mom drive your husband crazy? Can you relate when

it comes to your in-laws? He forgot to pay a bill on time. How would you want him to treat you if you did that? Empathy is a powerfully compassionate

way to express your love to another individual. And if anyone deserves it most, shouldn’t it be your spouse?