My husband loves to have his back scratched in the morning. It helps him wake up slowly and ease into his day. Even our kids know it and will participate at times!

Some days I’m in a hurry with all I have to do to get out the door and can’t make it happen, and of course it is understood. But I know that there is value in taking those couple extra minutes to show I care. So I try to make time for it more often than not.

As silly as it might sound, I know that those couple minutes will help my husband feel loved and appreciated. Yes- such a simple act means that much to him! Of course I want to show him my love, so why not carve out a few minutes to do so.

Part of a healthy relationship is stepping outside of yourself sometimes and showing you care about your partner’s needs. Some authors talk about it like a love bank or love tank. It is about intentionally depositing or filling up your partner with their emotional need and vise versa. The more full it becomes will create a closeness in the relationship and an appreciation for sacrifices you make to show your partner love. Ideally this will open them up to meeting your needs too.

As you strive to connect and create a healthy partnership in your relationship, I challenge you to slow down and take time to show them in simple ways that you care. Big things are important too, so be intentional with those too. But you might be surprised how the consistent little things can add up. It might be as simple as taking a few minutes for a back scratch!

Written by Teri Claassen MSW, LCSW, LCAC

Teri Claassen MSW, LCSW, LCAC is a licensed therapist at Imagine Hope Counseling Group. Teri enjoys doing marriage counseling, individual counseling, couples and relationship counseling. Teri also does family counseling, child counseling, and adolescent counseling. Imagine Hope serves the Indianapolis area, including the surrounding areas of Carmel, Fishers, Noblesville, Zionsville, and Westfield.