Now I know that sounds a bit backwards, but hear us out. It’s easy to forget the little things that mattered the most in our relationships when we become caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Those moments, although small, that established the foundation for your relationship.

I feel I should clarify. This isn’t a plea to spend money on another date night (which I can guarantee will always score brownie points), but rather, it’s a call to the sense of purpose that thrives in the early phases of your relationship. Consider how much has become second nature to you and your S.O. those things that both of you understand but neither mentions aloud because it’s all too familiar. Well, imagine how well your relationship would thrive if you took some time to praise those precious moments.

It doesn’t have to be a parade and sky writing either. Just a simple, “thank you for picking up my plate, I appreciate you.” Better yet, how about the little text the moment after you hang up the phone to say,”I love you”. Try to recall how your conversations and text history read while you were first introduced to one another. The butterflies that meant you knew something was different about this one, then seek to bring those feelings to life every chance you can.

Sasha and I are not perfect by any means, we sometimes forget to acknowledge the small victories because we get too swept up in maintaining the company along with our other endeavors. Simply put, we both expect that the other “just knows” we appreciate the other. It isn’t until we hit a rough patch that we take time to reflect and acknowledge one another, but we work on it together and become closer from it. This doesn’t mean that you are failing in your relationship, it’s perfectly normal to struggle with communication. It just means that you are so familiar that perhaps you may just need to make that extra effort to make your S.O. feel special so they know you appreciate them whole heartedly.

So hold that door open. Make that kiss last a little bit longer. Hold each other a bit tighter. These are the makings of a lasting relationship. This is what it means to continually “date” your spouse. These are the small moments that will make the biggest difference.