Courtesy Doesn't Stop With Saying, "I Do"

by T.W. Winslow
http://www.mysticbeagle.com


It seems the longer couples are together, the more they take each other for
granted. This is especially true when it comes to extending basic courtesies. 


We say please and thank you to complete strangers every day, but all too often
forget, or should I say neglect, to extend these same courtesies to our
partners. Being kind, thoughtful and respectful to our partners doesn't stop
when we say, "I do." 


You may be reading this and thinking to yourself, "That's not me." Hopefully
you're right, but just to make sure, why not test yourself? Tonight, before
you walk through the door, place a few dollars worth of quarters in one pocket.
Then, throughout the evening, every time you neglect to say please or thank
you, take a quarter out of your pocket and toss it into a jar. No cheating
now! If the please or thank you isn't automatic and immediate, it doesn't
count. Be honest with yourself, if you're only saying it because you don't
want to toss another quarter in the jar - that doesn't count either. 


Before going to bed, take a look in the jar - can you still lift it? This of
course isn't very scientific, but it just may serve as a wake up call. This
might seem like a small thing, and maybe it is, but extending these basic
courtesies to your partner shows them you appreciate them and all the things
they do for you. It also is a reminder to you that your relationship is a
partnership, and you should be thankful for all the many things your partner
does for you and the contributions they make to your relationship.


Try and keep this fresh in your mind for a week or more. If packing a
pocketful of quarters helps, by all means do it. And don't just stop at saying
please and thank you, see if there aren't a few other things you've been
neglecting - pulling out a chair, opening a car door, asking how their day was
and really listening to their response, saying, "I love you," for no reason at
all... the list goes on and on and on. 


As an added benefit, your partner is sure to notice your change (no, I'm not
talking about all the quarters in the jar), and will begin to reciprocate. 


Your relationship can be all you want it to be. It just takes a little work
and commitment - and maybe even a few quarters. 


...................................................................

T.W. Winslow owns and operates The Mystic Beagle - a free advice web site
dealing with love, life and relationships. Free advice, romance tips, true love
stories and more. The Mystic Beagle also publishes a free weekly newsletter. 
Visit The Mystic Beagle at http://www.mysticbeagle.com