STWW: Ways to Say I Love You

Relationships are hard work. You're taking two independent, individuals with different experiences, personalities and opinions and melding them together. There will be happy and sad times, laughter and fights but nothing that love, mutual respect and compromise can't fix. While I think Valentine's day is a great way to show people you love them, it's important to show love in anyway you can everyday. I read this great article which reminds me that love isn't a four letter word and it isn't always obvious; it's a collection of actions and questions and concerns. Here are my favourites:

1. Cut your partner some slack. We all forget things, lose things, or screw things up. Why rub it in?
2. Pay attention. As in full-on and undivided. Not every minute of every day, but show up when it counts.
3. Keep two feet in, especially when things are difficult. Commitment is about staying with your challenges long enough to make things better.
4. Receive and acknowledge your partner's acts of love. The happiest couples are those who notice and respond when their partner reaches out. A thanks or a smile is all that it takes.
5. Stop a fight in its tracks. One of the most loving things you can do is stay calm when your spouse is getting worked-up.
6. Hug back. Kiss back. Smile.
7. Your spouse wants to go back to graduate school, eat more fruits and vegetables, train for a marathon. Your response: that's great!
8. Be the first one to reach out after a fight. Don't think for a minute that the first person to give ground is admitting fault. Marriage isn't a game of chicken. It takes courage and kindness to yield.
9. Make your relationship a priority. Marriage doesn't stay sweet all on its own, year after year. Have a date night, a weekend getaway, keep work hours within bounds. And for goodness sake, when you're together, turn off your phone.
10.Think your spouse deserves a standing ovation? Tell someone how talented, smart, loving, gracious she is. How patient he is with the kids. How he makes the world's best pie crust. Make sure he overhears you.

I think these are great tips to apply to your relationship at any and all stages, not just when things are fresh and new. What are your favourite tips from the article? What are tips you've learnt from your relationships?