One of the most important elements of a successful relationship is respect.
The noun form of respect the dictionary describes as "feeling a deep admiration for someone or something elicited by their abilities, qualities, or achievements". However, the verb form of the same word the dictionary defines this way "to admire someone or something deeply, as a result of their abilities, qualities, or achievements. The difference is subtle but noticeable. You take that feeling of respect and you display it with your words and actions. Your partner need not guess or wonder if you have respect for them because they can see with their own eyes that you do admire their abilities and qualities and achievements.
With respect in your relationship
* you cheer your partner on
* you value your partner's opinion
* you stand behind your partner
Learn to vocalize your admiration for your partner. Maybe you are not the kind of person who is good about saying how they feel. Practice. The more you do the easier it will become.
It is not enough for you to feel it in your heart and think it in your head. Those places are a good start but your partner doesn't have tangible access there. Make your respect for your partner the verb form. Tell them when you are proud they fixed the plumbing; when they complimented your mother on a meal well cooked; when they wear that scent you think is amazing; when they worked all day and still put a tasty meal on the table. Do you get the idea?
Just like you need to know you are respected so does your partner. Here is a neat thing about using the verb form of respect you may not know, the more you express your respect the more respect will be expressed towards you.
Start today, start NOW. What did your partner do today that you think was wonderful? Tell them. You will notice in no time at all a measurable improvement in the amount of respect your relationship has.
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