Relationships demand time, energy, and effort from both individuals for them to truly thrive. Part of their success involves being present in the moment. If you are distracted thinking about work or spending too much time with friends, you risk weakening your connection. One way to ensure that your spouse feels seen is by giving them compliments. They don’t have to be elaborate; they can be quick affirmations that capture the moment. Here are 10 reasons why you should give your spouse tiny compliments.
Builds Their Self-Esteem
When you give tiny compliments to your spouse like “I love your hair” or “you have beautiful handwriting,” you are actively contributing to their self-worth. You want your partner to appreciate their own strengths and abilities because it helps them feel confident enough to also appreciate your strengths and abilities. When two people have healthy self-esteem, they are confident and secure in who they are in a relationship.
Makes Them Feel Good
Along similar lines, another reason you should give your spouse tiny compliments is so that they feel good about themselves. When you say “breakfast was fantastic this morning” or “you look gorgeous today,” it makes the other person feel good. Positivity and those good feelings can multiply, brightening the overall outlook. Pay attention and find small ways to make your partner feel good. They’re likely to reciprocate the appreciation.
It’s Simple
Tiny compliments don’t have to be entire romantic letters. They are simple and take mere seconds to communicate. Compliments like “I like how you make the bed” or “you’re such a safe and confident driver” are made in the moment. It tells your partner that they are present with you and that you notice them. Try your hand at some simple compliments and reap the rewards.
Communicates Encouragement
Another reason these compliments are great for your relationship is that they encourage your partner to recreate those positive experiences. When you tell your partner, “You did such a good job cleaning out my car,” or “the dishes look especially clean,” it is likely to reinforce those behaviors. Notice your partner and be appreciative of the energy they put into the relationship. Being unnoticed is a superpower that doesn’t feel great when it only works on one person.
Strengthens Your Connection
Give your spouse some tiny compliments and watch your relationship flourish. When you express your appreciation for something your partner does, it strengthens your connection. The other person will feel safe and secure in the relationship, and they are more likely to be open and honest with you when they feel comfortable with themselves. Next time she wears those cool sunglasses you like or he sings a song in the car, let them know. You’ll feel closer.
It’s a Nice Thing To Do
A more obvious reason to give your spouse tiny compliments is that it is simply the nice thing to do. People who give frequent compliments tend to be well-liked. Everyone enjoys feeding off the positivity you exude. When you criticize your partner, no one wins. Both of you will feel down. You want to be kind so that the other person enjoys being around you. No one is going to like hanging out with a negative Nancy.
They Have The Power To Motivate
Similar to encouragement, tiny compliments have the power to motivate your spouse to sustain positive actions. When you say, “Wow, the carpet looks very clean, nice vacuuming,” it is likely they will do it again. You are recognizing the energy and effort they put into keeping the house clean. And having a clean house feels good. It’s a win-win situation.
Fosters Appreciation
While we’ve touched upon this, it’s worth its own category due to its importance. When you give your spouse tiny compliments, it helps you recognize the work your partner puts into your relationship. Whether that’s cleaning the house or planning a vacation, your appreciation for your partner will compound, always keeping fresh in your mind the things you love about them.
Prevents Complacency
Without compliments, a relationship can dry out. Your spouse may not feel seen, and your relationship might feel like you’re just going through the motions, which can become boring. Telling your partner they have beautiful eyes or a sparkling smile will keep the spark alive and prevent complacency from becoming the death knell of your relationship.
Selfless
Our last reason for giving your spouse tiny compliments is that it forces you to look beyond yourself. Without these nuggets of appreciation and admiration, you can become stuck in your own head, as if you’re walking through life with blinders. A good relationship involves both partners actively recognizing each other. So, what makes you give out compliments?
