Appreciation is Essential for Making Relationships Work

More than 50% of all marriages in America end in divorce.  The majority of conflicts that arise in romantic relationships, as well as the break-ups that occur come down to one fundamental issue – one or both people don’t feel appreciated.  There is an epidemic of negativity in many love relationships in our culture and many people aren’t all that good at appreciating their significant other.

But help is on the way!  Mike Robbins, author of the new book FOCUS ON THE GOOD STUFF: The Power of Appreciation (Jossey-Bass/An Imprint of Wiley; August 24, 2007, $19.95) which recently reached #4 on Amazon’s bestseller list, teaches people and couples how to utilize the power of appreciation in their relationships.  Greater appreciation leads to improved connection and communication, greater fulfillment, and even better sex!  Robbins works with individuals, couples, and groups across North America as a life coach and motivational speaker.

Mike offers five tips for couples to bring more appreciation into their relationships:

1)  Look for good stuff – catch your partner doing things you appreciate
2)  Celebrate what you want to see more of – enthusiastically let them know what they are doing well and what you like
3)  Ask for what you want – if you are not feeling appreciated, ask for it
4)  Create quality time together – set up a “date night” and make sure to take some time to acknowledge one another
3)  Appreciate yourself – pat yourself on the back so that you are not dependant on your partner’s appreciation