Numerous research studies have shown that regularly expressing gratitude to your spouse is one of the key factors in building a resilient marriage. This is esecially true for couples caring for children with chronic illnesses or disabilities. These are just three of the ways that thanking your spouse will strengthen your marriage.
1. Increases Forgiveness
Research shows that expressing gratitude actually increases forgiveness. When thinking of ways that you’re grateful for your spouse, it helps you see them from a different light.
When your spouse thanks you, this can foster understanding and trust.
Try this:
- Make it a point to thank your spouse at least once a day
- Try to find new and unique ways to thank them
- Tell them “thank you” while looking in their eyes
- Try to mix up expressing gratitude for things they did or said with characteristics that you appreciate about them
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2. Deepens Your Emotional Connection
Praying for your spouse can deepen your own connection with God as well as your spiritual and emotional connection with your spouse.
When you say or write prayers of gratitude, you begin to appreciate your spouse more.
Try this:
- Get a journal for just you or for you and your spouse to share
- Each day, thank God for something about your spouse (it can be very small or simple)
- On challenging days, read back over your prayers to remind you of your blessings
3. Improves Your Marital Satisfaction
Finding creative ways to communicate to your spouse how much you love and appreciate them will improve your relationship overall. When you thank your spouse, it will make them more thankful for you!
Just a simple thank you can brighten your spouse’s day.
Try this:
- Get a stack of sticky notes or note cards (don’t break the bank by buying greeting cards)
- Leave them a little thank you note on their nightstand for something they said or did
- Send a text message just to tell them something you appreciate about them
- Tape a page to your bathroom mirror or fridge that you both can add thank you’s to
- Write a love note on the steamy bathroom mirror
What’s one way you strengthen your marriage?
Encourage other couples by sharing your tips in the comments!
Blessings on your marriage,
Todd and Kristin
Kristin Faith Evans, MA, MS, LMSW & William Todd Evans, MA, PhD
Todd and Kristin have been married for twenty-one years and have two children with differing rare genetic disorders and complex needs. They are coauthoring a marriage book for couples parenting children with special needs and disabilities. Their greatest passion is walking with other disability parents on their journeys to deeper faith and emotional healing. They both completed their Masters in Christian spiritual formation at Wheaton College, co-receiving the Lois LeBar Award. They have served together in church, camping, and retreat ministries. Kristin is a Christian author, speaker, and a Licensed Masters Social Worker. She is experienced in Christian counseling, couples & family therapy, substance abuse treatment, and crisis counseling. They enjoy traveling and the outdoors together.
Disability Parenting