- my iParenting
- quick clicks
- moms today articles
- moms today q&a
- community & groups
- research baby names
- prepare a birth plan
- content channels
- ip channel rss feeds
- read birth stories
- read parenting stories
- recommended books
- e-newsletters
- safety recalls
- ip diaries
- ip store
- mom of the month
- dad of the month
- editor's letter
- letters to the editor
From Our Sponsors
- e-newsletters
- Sign up to receive our free weekly e-newsletters
- award-winning products
The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families.
Boost Your Relationship IQ
Cherish Your Loved Ones By Lisa Marie Metzler
Not everyone will respond positively to love notes or receiving flowers. James Wilson, publisher of the weekly e-zine Secrets of a
Romantic Marriage, suggests asking questions and watching how your spouse responds to you. This will serve as a base for future opportunities to cherish. "Honey, how would you like me to respond when you're discouraged?" is a great question to start with, says Wilson. The answer may surprise you. Perhaps the entire time you've been married, you've been trying to "cheer up" your spouse, when what they really needed was for you to just listen and hold them.
Wilson also recommends paying close attention to how your spouse reacts to what you do. "For instance, she may prefer you to cancel a social engagement when she's 'peopled out,' rather than find an 'I Love You' spelled out in M & Ms on her pillow," says Wilson.