On the way into work this morning, a woman in front of me very graciously held the door open for me. I thanked her, and walked in with a smile, happy to know there are still kind people in the world who think of others.
Which brought me to another thought: Common courtesy-- saying please and thank you, doing nice things for others, making eye contact and smiling, calling someone when you are running late out of respect for their time... I'm sure you can think of several examples on your own of things that you consider courtesy. Things that you like others to do for you, that shows that they care.
When was the last time you did this for your partner?
It is so easy, especially when we have been resentful for a long time or even just with someone for a long time, to forget the little things like common courtesy with our partner. Yet these gestures (for many of us, anyways, I hope) come SO easily when it is directed towards others. Even complete strangers, like the above example. Why would we show kindness to others that we are not invested in, yet forget to show that kindness to the person we have committed our life to?
The good news is that common courtesy really is easy, and it can go a long way. Thank your partner for cooking supper, or remembering to do something he/she sometimes forgets (roll of toilet paper, anyone?). Use please when you ask him to get something for you. Yes, even the salt shaker, or something to drink. If you're running late, give your partner a call to let him or her know- even if it is only 10 minutes. These gestures not only say "I love you" but "I respect you" and "I want you to know that I notice these things". It may also motivate your partner to do the little things more often in return.
This week, pick one thing mentioned above, or come up with your own, that you have let slack over the years and start doing it. See what happens.
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