The Secret To More Fulfilling Relationships and It's Not What You Think!

Even when you love your friends or your partner in life, it's sometimes difficult to know what they really need and how to give it to them. Your tv, car and dishwasher may come with manuals, but relationships can be more of a mystery.

You know deep down, as relational beings, we all long for encouragement, validation and appreciation. It's just the way we are wired.

Of all these, Appreciation is perhaps most overlooked, in any loving relationship.

In a busy and fast-paced world, it's so easy to take things for granted. And yes we're all guilty of doing this with the very people who are most precious to us.

So how do we get good at expressing our love for someone special?

Now, you may have heard the expression that a little can go a long way, and there's no exception when it comes to showing your appreciation.

Learning how to express 'appreciation' will not only enable you to enjoy improved communication but also deeper and fulfilling relationships.

But there is an art to this!

Here Are Simple Gestures to Show Appreciation and Creating Meaningful Relationships 

While a grand gesture is always nice and has a time and place, simple gestures are habits that you can add to your everyday routine.

It's important not to keep all of your love and appreciation locked up inside your head. Instead, let it 'out' and you'll give meaning, purpose, and joy to everyone around you!

1. Talk More.

 Make your thoughts known. Call him or her.

Your simple gestures of appreciation can be at the office, at home, with your kids or your partner. When you verbalize how you feel in a positive manner, it can make all the difference in a person's day.

Look, if you think of a compliment, give the compliment! Don't just keep it locked up in your thoughts.

It's simple and it works.

2. Handwritten Notes and or Handmade Gifts out of the blue.

Give friends, family, colleagues, or your partner a sincere card or handwritten note declaring how much you appreciate them.

There's something extra special about getting a message when you aren't expecting one. Plus they make nice keepsakes.

When it comes time for gift-giving, consider a handmade gift. It doesn't have to be something expensive or complex as long as it's coming from the heart. These gifts are often the most cherished of all.

At Seema with Love at Westfield Chermside, we hand make scented soy candles, body creams, bath salts, vegan, organic skincare as well as do amazing dried Native Australian floral arrangements.

 Seema with love at Westfield Chermside 

What's so special about handmade? 

It's kinda hard to say 'made with love' if our gorgeous scented soy candles were made in some overseas factory.

Having said that over the last few years Chris and I have made thousands of candles by hand (and after work, crazy right?).

It sure is a labour of love but then again, the smiles on our customer's faces are priceless and deeply affirming that we have done our very best to create lasting memories for them when they light one of our handmade soy candles.

You can have a look at some of them here 👉🏽   

3. Go Out of Your Way.

Take a moment to think of something you can do each day or every once in awhile, that's above and beyond. Taking even a small burden off your loved one's shoulders shows that you care.

For example, if your spouse is usually the one who handles the laundry or vacuuming, surprise them by taking care of it.

4. Develop your Listening Skills.

Practice being truly aware of what you're told when people are speaking to you. You'll likely commit certain bits of information to long-term memory. You'll be surprised at how happy you can make someone simply because you remembered something they told you.

5. Show Affection.

When it comes to affection for your loved ones, some simple affection can go a long way. Bring more hugs and kisses into the relationship.

Chances are everyone could use more "I love you's" in their lives.

6. Cook Something.

If you're showing appreciation to your family, plan a special meal one day. Maybe try something you haven't tried before, or go for an old family favourite. If you're showing appreciation for another group of people, consider bringing them some baked goods. A cupcake or a brownie just might brighten someone's day!

7. Always say "Thank You."

You've learned to say please and thank you to strangers and the people in your life shouldn't be an exception.

It's easy to fall into a pattern where we take others for granted.

Make it a habit to always thank people for anything they've done for you, even for simple things like holding the door.

Look, I'm sure you're aware that when you appreciate someone and express the appreciation, you learn to foster a life of gratitude.

If you continue to live your life in the presence of gratitude, it won't be difficult to maintain simple gestures of appreciation.

It's simple!

When you concentrate on the needs of the people you love and fight the urge to fall into predictable patterns, you'll set yourself up for a happy life.

Those around you will always remember your positive and loving gestures and this world we live in will be such a better place.

This is the secret to more fulfilling relationships.

You're so Loved!

xox

Seema