How often do you go out of your way to help your partner?

When everyday responsibilities become stressful, little acts of service from a spouse can make difficult times easier to handle. In fact, service is a great way to show love and affection for your partner and make them feel special. Studies show that a couple that shows kindness towards one another – in the form of words and gestures – is more likely to have a happy marriage.

Surprise your spouse

Nothing says “I care about you” like a spontaneous act of service. Make it a habit to do things that make your spouse’s life a bit easier such as offering to do some of their chores. However, don’t expect anything in return for your actions. It is not an act of service if you expect your spouse to reciprocate.

Sharing is caring

Showing love can be as simple as offering your spouse the last cookie or slice of pizza. It shows that you care about your spouse enough to forego a little pleasure for the benefit. However, don’t offer your spouse the last cookie expecting that they will do the same when it’s their turn. This can cause you to become resentful.

Emotional Generosity

Generosity can be emotional or physical. Emotional generosity leaves your partner feeling valued, loved, respected, desired and appreciated.  There is a common misconception that women crave emotional generosity more than men. However, men also need to feel admired and cared for. In fact, research shows that men are more likely to be unhappy in relationships where there is no emotional generosity. Small endearments such as kisses, cuddles, massages or holding hands are a good start to emotional generosity.

Don’t forget that emotional generosity works best when combined with physical generosity. For instance, you can wash your partner’s car once in a while. You do not even have to wash it yourself; you can take it to a car wash and your partner will still appreciate.

Making a packed lunch for your husband or wife to take to work is another simple but generous act.  If possible drop by  their work place with the surprise lunch treat and make them the envy of their coworkers.  You can even add emotional generosity to the lunch by including a love note in the package just to remind him or her how much you appreciate them.