Hi, you're listening to Small Things Often from the Gottman Institute, where we talk you through

research-based tips to help improve your relationships in five minutes or less.

Today's tip is about ways to make your relationship thrive. Do you remember the early days of your

relationship with your partner? You were so madly in love.

You couldn't stand to be away from each other for even an hour. It was passionate and overwhelming

and exhilarating all at the same time. But now that you've been together for a while,

things might not feel quite the same. Maybe you feel like you and your partner are in a rut,

or maybe things are fine, but you're wondering how to keep the relationship on a positive path.

Whatever your situation, here's five tips you can put into practice today to help your

relationship thrive. First, treat your partner with appreciation and respect.

If you're noticing their flaws lately and not their positive qualities, it's time to change your thinking.

Be on the lookout for things they're doing right every day.

And when you see it, say it.

Thank them for walking the dog.

Or tell them you love their sense of humor and how they make you laugh,

or maybe how incredibly proud you are of them for getting a promotion.

By expressing appreciation for the small things, you'll find that as time goes by, your

relationship will greatly improve. Next, build trust. How? Well, it's not with a grand gesture, like the gorgeous watch you bought them for their birthday. Nope.

Trust is built in the small, everyday moments of attunement, being aware of your partner's emotions, and then turning towards them with understanding and empathy.

Say, for instance, you're watching a movie on TV

that you've wanted to see for a long time, but you suddenly notice that your partner is looking

distracted and sad. Do you ignore them and keep watching the movie? Or do you stop and ask your

...