Appreciation List by Mark Sichel, LCSW What do you appreciate about your mate? When was the last time you told your partner how much you appreciate them for their loyalty, friendliness, sensuality, competency, resourcefulness, strength, etc? We all need to feel appreciated. Check off the attributes that embody your partner's inner qualities of being. Share this with your partner. Include it within the body of an email or sit your lover down and TELL them in words what you appreciate about them. Do it over a romantic candlelit dinner or do it in the car on the way to an engagement neither of you wants to attend. Use this list of qualities to extinguish the flames of an argument or to enhance a special occasion like a birthday or anniversary. These are the qualities that I appreciate about my partner: Loyalty Friendliness Generosity Appreciation of others Appreciation of nature Competent Resourcefulness Artistry Thoughtfulness Perseverance Strength Experience Determination Physical fitness Sensuality Lovemaking abilities Sexiness Stylishness Taste Expressiveness Discretion Warmth Sensitivity Empathy Gentleness Compassion Precision Intelligence Intuition Diligence Creativity Imagination Humor Dependability Devotion to family Devotion to career Devotion to nature Devotion to environment Integrity Ambition Whimsy Talent Flexibility Handiness Insightfulness Softness Curiosity Foresight If you like, add to your partner's unique inner qualities of being, as well as their outer qualities of doing, once you've submitted and printed out your Appreciation List. Remember things they have done for you in the past that you appreciated. Let your partner know that you remember his or her past kindness and thank them for it. Recognize and acknowledge their achievements and abilities. We all need and want appreciation and acknowledgement and this exercise will help you get closer to your partner.                    RECOMMENDED READING FROM THE PSYSTORE: Chicken Soup for the Couple's Soul: Inspirational Stories About Love and Relationships (Chicken Soup for the Soul) by Jack Canfield (Editor), Mark Victor Hansen, Barbara De Angelis, Mark Donnelly, Chrissy Donnelly Our Price: $19.20 "This collection is filled with true stories about love, commitment, intimacy, family, overcoming obstacles and keeping a relationship alive year after year. It's for anyone who is in love or yearns to be in love." -- Book Description For a selection of books on this topic, visit the Psystore. ** All prices subject to change without notice