Daryl Campbell

Have you ever met a married couple or one that has been dating for some time that were so lovey dovey that it just about made you sick to your stomach?

You wouldn’t mind so much if they were newlyweds, but for crying out loud these two have been together for years. Yet every time you go out with them, they are in full mushy mode.

They openly vow endless love and one refuses to make any decisions without consulting the other. It’s enough to make you want to sue the pastor who presided at their wedding ceremony or ban dating altogether.

The cynic in you says this is nothing more than an act they put on to fool the public at large but you know in your heart that is not true. You have seen these two in action when they didn’t think anybody was looking (no not like that!) and from your observations, they are the real deal.

The love, trust, mutual respect and sheer enjoyment they get from being in each other’s company is as genuine as a Sunday morning.

So in this cynical world of ours how did they beat the odds? It starts with the three A’s.

1. Attitude

Relationships is a chore if you convince yourself it’s a chore. Do you look at every bump in the road as a crushing obstacle or a challenge to overcome which brings the two of you closer together?

It’s all in the way you perceive it. When you change your attitude, don’t look for your significant other to make the initial move. “Saying I’ll do it if you will” means that it may never get done. Work on your outlook first. Hopefully, your significant will notice what’s going on and get on your wavelength.

2. Attention

Your spouse or dating partner has been exercising and upgrading their appearance to please you. Are you taking notice? What about your communication and listening skills?

When it’s just the two of you, they should not have to compete with the TV, newspaper or internet to get your attention. Keep it mind that what they want to tell you is not always going to be of the earth shattering variety.

Sometimes they just want to talk or vent or see what’s on your mind. Either way show them your undivided consideration.

3. Appreciation

Too often when we think “we’ve got it like that” we tend to take the other person for granted. Break that mold and start buying your significant other a small gift even when it’s not a special occasion.

This is an excellent way to show gratitude; however it does not have to be monetary. make them a romantic dinner and wash all the dishes afterwards. When it comes to appreciation within a relationship, little things mean a lot.

The goal in any relationship is to be selfless enough so you both are a team that just keeps getting better and better. Trying the 3 A’s can help considerably with your game plan.

You might not ever win Couple of The Year but stick with it anyway. Eventually when people see the two of you coming, they also will start reaching for the Rolaids.

Click here for more tips on having a happy healthy long term relationship.