Marriage Actually - An honest look at marriage

50 Encouraging Bits

by Kerri on March 9th, 2008

Karen’s hosting a “List of 50….” carnival, so I thought I’d throw us in with a list of 50 encouraging words, phrases, or activities. Words, phrases, or activities that you can share with your spouse or those you love. Pick and choose, but encourage someone today. Give them a little nudge of support, a lift of hope, a speck of joy. It’s amazing what just a little thing can do.

1. I love you.

2. We’re on the same team.

3. It’s not the end of the world. (Most problems, no matter how awful they seem, truly aren’t the end of the world.)

4. I chose you.

5. You’re my favorite.

6. I’ll pray for you.

7. I’ll support you.

8. Have a good day.

9. Thanks for being mine.

10. I want to grow old with you.

11. I’ll always be here.

12. You’re my best friend.

13. I respect you.

14. I respect your decision.

15. I hope all good things for you.

16. I want to be yours forever.

17. I want to see you at your best.

18. Thanks for loving me.

19. You look handsome.

20. You look beautful.

21. I love the way you play guitar (or another skill/talent of theirs that you appreciate.)

22. Thank you for being part of my life.

23. I appreciate hearing your view of things.

24. I’d love for you to teach me to (something that they’re good at that you might be interested in.)

25. Let me do (some task that they usually do) for you today.

26. (If your spouse works for a paycheck) Thanks for what you do to provide for our family.

27. (If your spouse takes care of most of the home tasks) Thanks for what you do to make our house a home.

28. (If you’re parents) Thanks for the ways you love and teach the kids.

29. (If your spouse has made a significant health change for the better) Thanks for taking care of your body, and for the example you set for the kids and me.

30. Sending a non-task e-mail during the day just to say, “I love you.”

31. Let your spouse know that you’re thinking of them while you’re apart.

32. I still choose you, everday.

33. How can I help you today?

34. Making a “favorite” or “birthday” dinner out-of-the-blue.

35. Plan a surprise date (including childcare!) for no reason in particular, then make them feel like it’s a special occasion.

36. Treat them out-of-the-blue with flowers, a magazine, coffee, a game or something that really shows them that it was just for them.

37. Grab their hands or snuggle in for a night on the couch instead feeling the need to be doing something “productive” with your time. Nurturing your relationship is productive!!!

38. Rub their feet or back or whatever, even if you’re tired, if you know it will make them feel special.

39. Give them a bit of undivided attention when they’re rambling about their day.

40. Get up with the kids on the weekend and let them sleep in a little.

41. Bring home their favorite movie from the video store (or grab it off the shelf), and endure enjoy it with them for the 100th time. :D

42. Write up a list of 10 things that you really love about them, and just surprise them with it.

43. Read their favorite book with them, if you haven’t before, and be willing to talk about it with them.

44. Tell them how much you love being married to them.

45. Write a list of the things that you know that they take care of in your family, and tell them how much you appreciate that they do.

46. Make them and your relationship with them the top priority, even when it’s hard.

47. Try to understand their side of an argument.

48. Get out in the cold and fill up the gas tank so they don’t have to.

49. Other things that I’m not gonna mention, but you can probably figure out for yourself. :)

50. Be the best friend they’ve ever had.

photo credit: Laertes

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POSTED IN: Blog Carnival, Encouragement, Lifestyles Channel