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7 Signs You’re Successful In Life (Even If You Think You’re Not)

Successful people measure their outcomes in lots of different ways. If you’re like the rest of us, you may struggle to figure out if you’re doing okay. According to television, movies, and the media, we measure success by the amount of money you have, your job titles, whether or not you have a family. But these seem to be such superficial indicators.

Material realities can be a good measure of success, but they’re not the only things that count. When it comes to measuring success, there’s so much more to consider. If you’re wondering where you measure up, you may be doing better than you think.

Here Are 7 Signs You’re More Successful Than You Think You Are

“Too many people measure how successful they are by how much money they make or the people that they associate with. In my opinion, true success should be measured by how happy you are.” – Richard Branson

1. You haven’t given up on your dreams

Even if you haven’t achieved them yet, you’re still making plans and moving forward with trying to reach your goals. Success isn’t always measured in whether or not you’ve met all your life goals – sometimes, it just means having them in the first place, and refusing to give up. As long as you’ve always had a dream, and you keep moving forward and taking chances and steps to achieve it, you’re doing great.

2. You’re still alive and healthy

This is probably the most important measure of success. Life can be full of so many twists and turns, ups and downs – if you’ve ever struggled with low points in your life, or depressive episodes, you probably have realized how hard it is to keep pushing forward. But if you’ve made it out of every low point and you’re still alive, then that is definitely cause of celebration. Congratulations – you’re a success.

3. You keep improving despite all the obstacles

Sometimes, people feel like they’ve reached their peak and there’s no reason to keep moving forward and learning more and improving themselves as a person. Even if you’ve failed a few times in your life, you’re still a success if you learn from those failures and mistakes and use them to keep improving yourself every day.

CEO of Lexion Capital Management Elle Kaplan says, “Too often in life, people’s goals get derailed when they focus on their setbacks. But if you have the mental fortitude to pivot in a more productive direction when things go wrong, you’re setting yourself up for success.” It doesn’t matter if you’ve failed ten times or one hundred – as long as each failure is met with an attempt to better yourself.

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4. Someone loves you

Whether this person is your family, a friend, or your lover, having someone who cares about you and loves you is an important way to measure success. Author Liz Ryan states, “If you have people around whom you love and who love you back, you are successful.

Life can get lonely, and it’s always better when you’re sharing all the ups and downs with someone who cares about you. A love that is unconditional and unyielding is one way to measure your success, and if you’ve found it, then you’re on the right track.

5. You’ve learned to forgive

Holding onto grudges may feel good at first. But eventually, that anger and resentment will begin to eat away at us. If you’ve learned the (sometimes complicated) art of forgiveness, then your life has become more and more successful each day that you live free of that anger.

Learn to forgive as soon as you can. It’s just so you can get “unstuck” in life, start moving forward faster, and open the door to more success and happiness,” says NLP Life & Business Coach Kevin J. Donaldson.

Forgiving people is more about allowing yourself to heal rather than letting someone off the hook. You’ll find that your mind and body are more at peace once you learn to forgive.

6. You have home and clothes

It’s time to take a step back and look around you. If you have a home and a roof over your head as well as clothes on your back, then I would say that you’re doing pretty good. Regardless of all the other things going on around you, if you’ve managed to cultivate a home for yourself and keep yourself dressed and fed, then any other measurements of success don’t really matter. You’re doing great.

7. You can be yourself

No matter who that happens to be, if you’re in a place mentally and physically where you can be yourself and express yourself how you want, then you’ve reached a place of success that few others can achieve. Sure, there are people with thousands upon thousands of dollars, but they’re often stuck and unable to express themselves how they truly wish, and inspire no one to be true to themselves. If you’ve made it this far in your journey to success, then you’re doing amazing.

Success doesn’t always have to be about money, or trophies, or titles. Sometimes, success is about how you’ve grown as a person and your journey from who you were to who you are. Some people live their whole lives never making that journey. Learning to accept that success can come in all different kinds of sizes means that you’re going to be able to move forward in life feeling more positive, confident and – yes! – successful.

15 Things People Who Save Money Do Differently

Could you improve your money habits?

“The habit of saving is itself an education. It fosters every virtue, teaches self-denial, cultivates the sense of order, trains to forethought, and so broadens the mind.” – T.T. Munger

Please re-read the above quote from T.T. Munger. Empowering, isn’t it?

Here’s the truth: saving money is hard – which is why most people don’t. According to studies, up to 75 percent of Americans live paycheck-to-paycheck. Living in such a manner is a form of self-inflicted torture. We stress and stress about making ends meet when, in reality, we are the ones at fault. Or, we haven’t learned how to allocate our money appropriately.

(This coming from an average saver, at best. Things don’t change on my end either, folks!)

People who save their money are a distinct breed. Their mind simply works differently. Speaking of mind, saving money has nothing to do with one’s intelligence; it’s not even about income. Saving money is having a plan to live at or below your means – whatever those means may be – and sticking with that plan.

So, what do the best savers do? How do they look at things?

Here are 15 things people who are good at saving money do differently:

1. They live simply

Savers love to live the simple life. Why? Because they could care less about the “latest and greatest” or how others perceive them. They’re happy, and part of the reason they are happy is that they know where their money is going.

2. They distinguish wants from needs

Separating wants from needs is another way of living simply. It’s common for a good saver to ask themselves “Do I really need this?” before buying something. Besides, tip #3 allows them to buy what they do want, on occasion. Speaking of which…

3. “Budget” isn’t a scary word

When some people hear the word budget, they freak out. People great at saving don’t see a budget as scary; they view it as a necessary and even enjoyable part of responsible living.

4. They look for “free money”

Who says there’s no such thing as “free lunch (money)?” From coupon-clipping to 401k matching, money savers do the less-sexy things that give them a financial peace of mind.

5. “Every little bit helps.”

Gosh, how many times have we heard this saying over the years? There’s a real reason we have. Say you’re able to save 10 bucks a week from your check – not an unreasonable amount of money. In a 2% yearly interest savings account, you’ll have saved roughly $530 in just one year. Compound the interest over multiple years – and you’ve got a sizable sum of cash.

6. “Cash is king.”

Some good savers leverage the perks of credit cards, but not many. Research shows that purchasing something with a card – even a debit card – is much less ‘painful’ than handing over a bunch of bills. This latter point is exactly why savers prefer cold, hard cash.

7. Savers adjust to circumstances

None of us are immune to a stagnant economy, rising costs of living, job layoffs, illness, etc. Good savers have a trained ability to adjust their spending (thus, their savings) by taking life’s punches while remaining steadfast to their money mindset.

8. They’re honest with themselves

Self-deception isn’t at all conducive to saving money. That’s why good money managers are honest with themselves. They know their “situation” well and face it head on without losing focus on their priorities.

9. They love credit unions

Credit unions are not-for-profit and are not beholden to the interests of stockholders on Wall Street. Credit unions are owned by its members. Thus, there’s less profit motive for the institution – and more benefits for members (e.g. lower interest rates, lower fees, etc.)

10. Newer savers start small

There are two reasons why people don’t save money: lifestyle and overwhelm. Many people try to maintain an unaffordable standard of living, which is quite foolish. Others complicate things too much and become overwhelmed; often quitting before they even begin. Even 10 extra dollars in the bank at the end of the month is a good start! You can do it!

11. They automate their savings

Many employers offer direct deposit – and most employees take advantage. Good savers allocate 5 to 10 percent of the net pay to a second account – a savings account. And that account isn’t touched unless absolutely necessary.

12. They make money work

We all work for a living because it’s a necessity. Work = money = comfort. Smart savers know the “tricks of the trade,” and make money work for them. Interest-bearing accounts, low-risk investments, government bonds, purchasing gold, renting out luxury real estate in Mijas Spain…these are just a few ways savers save more.

13. “I’m entitled to nothing.”

This is exactly how savers think and feel. Nobody owes them anything – and they like it that way. They don’t “deserve” a vacation or a newer-model car. The only thing they feel entitled to is hard work and sacrifice. Their reward? Financial security and personal freedom.

14. They have little to no debt

Aside from perhaps their home, smart savers have little to zero debt. Debt means less saving, more spending – and they aren’t having it. They could care less about their decade-old vehicle or some flashy credit card. They’re living free.

15. They have willpower

We all have to face temptations, especially in a consumer-driven world. Good savers are human, too. Establishing and maintaining healthy saving habits can be hard, but they’ve got some extra willpower in the bank also.

References
http://money.cnn.com/2013/06/24/pf/emergency-savings/

http://www.rd.com/advice/saving-money/money-saving-tips
http://www.wisebread.com/5-things-successful-savers-do

5 Easy Ways To Whiten Yellow Teeth Naturally

Teeth whitening is the most popular cosmetic service in the world. Indeed, it’s easy to understand why.

Just as we all have different hair and skin color, we also all have different “tooth genetics.” Some people will be more affected by yellowing and discoloration of the teeth than others, for example.

Lifestyle also plays a significant role in how healthy your teeth look. The frequency in which you smoke tobacco, drink coffee, brush and floss your teeth, and practice good oral hygiene has a big impact on both the health and appearance of your teeth.

What sucks about teeth whitening? Well, first it can be expensive and time-consuming. However, professional teeth whitening done by a cosmetic dentist may provide you with better and more satisfying results.

Second, most of us are not so keen in going to the dentist. Some polls report up to eighty percent of people have a fear of visiting a dental office. Hey, there are some fears we just don’t get over! If you’re afraid of the pain from most dental treatments, you may consider looking a dental office that offers IV Sedated Dental Treatment services.

So, can we just bypass the dentist’s chair and take care of this whole teeth whitening thing ourselves?

Yes. In fact, we’re going to discuss not one, but five ways that you can whiten your own teeth! Better yet, all of these methods are inexpensive, requiring little more than common pantry goods and some patience!

Here are 5 ways to whiten your teeth at home:

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1. Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is a potent antibacterial agent. When combined with baking soda, the result is a great homemade toothpaste. You may also choose to use half water and half hydrogen peroxide for a good oral rinse.

When peroxide is added to baking soda, the latter helps to remove more plaque from your teeth. Clinical studies show that properly using Arm & Hammer baking soda as an oral agent reduces “mean plaque scores compared to using (other) baking soda-free products.”

2. Brushing after drinking or eating

While effective, brushing your teeth after drinking or eating isn’t always feasible (at work and school, for example.) But brushing after eating or drinking has some real benefits; namely, it improves overall oral hygiene and prevents teeth yellowing.

If you feel comfortable brushing your teeth in the office bathroom, keep on keeping on!

3. Coconut oil

Right when we think we’ve discovered all of the myriad health benefits of coconut oil, we find something else fascinating.

In a study published in the Journal of Contemporary Dental Hygiene, researchers write, “Edible oil-pulling therapy is natural, safe and has no side effects. Hence, it can be considered as a preventive therapy at home to maintain oral hygiene.” The reason why coconut oil is an excellent preventive treatment is that it has powerful anti-bacterial properties.

All you need to do is put a tablespoon of coconut oil in your mouth and swish for about twenty seconds. Something else you can do: put a few drops on your toothbrush and brush per usual!

4. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) can help remove the teeth of pesky stains that seem to stick around. As a natural antibiotic, it also helps preserve the health of our teeth and gums.

The compounds found within ACV, including acetic acid, enzymes, magnesium, potassium, and probiotics contribute to the overall oral health benefit of ACV. In fact, some studies show that ACV works equally well as other commercial whitening products – and without all the chemicals!

Because ACV is acidic, it’s recommended to brush against with regular (preferably non-fluoride) toothpaste. You can also use your finger to rub ACV on your teeth, then rinse with water or a hydrogen peroxide mix!

5. Fruits and vegetables

Slowly eating certain fruits and vegetables can help remove surface stains and food particles from your teeth. Celery, apples, carrots, and strawberries are all excellent food choices.

Strawberries are particularly effective due to their abundant amount of vitamin C and healthy enzymes. Not only can you chew this delicious fruit, but you can also mash a couple of strawberries and brush! Brushing with some strawberries two to three times per week is recommended.

4 Signs Someone Has A Fear of Abandonment

“A complex phenomenon in psychology.” That’s how one expert explains the fear of abandonment. Indeed, there doesn’t appear to be a textbook definition of the term.

Dig a little deeper, and you’ll discover that fear of abandonment (‘FOA’ from now on) can stem from many different things. People suffering from FOA are seen in friendships, relationships (romantic or platonic),  and as parents and spouses.

FOA not only affects the sufferer; it affects people in their lives. There’s often more than one victim.

The innate and persistent fear of being alone can be debilitating and self-sabotaging. Someone with FOA may display compulsive behaviors and thought patterns –  both can lead to the dissolution of relationships and the realization of their biggest fear – isolation.

Interestingly (and tragically), someone’s fear of abandonment is so deeply rooted that many mental health experts classify the disorder as a phobia.

A phobia is “An unreasonable sort of fear that can cause avoidance and panic.”

This unreasonableness – common in anxiety disorders – makes it difficult (if not impossible) to reason with someone about their condition. In other words, even people who love and care for the person can’t “make” them overcome their fear of being left alone.

FOA and Borderline Personality Disorder

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A personality disorder “is a pattern of feelings and behaviors that seem appropriate and justified to the person experiencing them, even though these feelings and behaviors cause a great deal of problems in that person’s life.”

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) usually involves the following symptoms:

  • Inappropriate or extreme emotional reactions
  • Highly impulsive behaviors
  • A history of unstable relationships

Arnold Lieber, MD and former Chairman of the Department of Psychiatry at the Miami Heart Institute, writes, “Intense mood swings, impulsive behaviors, and extreme reactions can make it difficult for people with borderline personality disorder to complete schooling, maintain stable jobs, and have long-lasting, healthy relationships.

Four Main Signs of FOA/BPD

As fear of abandonment can stem from multiple things, it’s beneficial to concentrate on FOA’s relationship with borderline personality disorder, as both conditions strongly correlate.

Generally, someone suffering from FOA/BPD will display one or more of the following behaviors:

1. Unstable Mood

Some of the common mood disorders experienced by FOA/BPD people include the following:

  • Strong feelings of anxiety, depression, and worry.
  • Sudden changes in mood that may last for several hours to several days.
  • Strong feelings of boredom, emptiness, and isolation.
  • Displays of violent verbal or physical behavior (usually the result of deeply-held fears and insecurities.)

2. Difficulty Relating to Others and Self

The common traits of FOA/BPD are easy to see in their dealings with others. Someone with FOA/BPD has a hard time understanding empathy, has a past of short-lived relationships in which the person “can change drastically from intense love and idealization to intense hate,” and experiences irrational and overwhelming fears of abandonment and rejection.

Someone with FOA/BPD also has many difficulties relating to themselves. They’re prone to a severely impaired sense of self and a distorted self-image.

3. Self-harm

Sadly, some FOA/BPD people express their pent-up anger and hostilities by hurting themselves. The most common types of self-harm include cutting or burning themselves.

It’s also more likely for someone with FOA/BPD to exhibit dangerous and potentially life-threatening behaviors. For example, they may drive recklessly or under the influence, abuse alcohol or drugs, and engage in some other destructive behavior.

4. Suicidal tendencies

It’s estimated that about 80 percent of people with BPD experience suicidal ideations, i.e., thoughts of suicide. Given the high correlation between BPD and FOA, it’s fair to state that the majority of BPD/FOA individuals have suicidal thoughts.

Suicide is a tragic event that leaves a trail of devastated people in its wake. If someone you know is exhibiting suicidal tendencies, here’s the number of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988. The website is https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org.

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Final Thoughts on Fearing Abandonment

There is hope for someone with FOA or BPD. As with nearly all mental health disorders, FOA/BPD results from a chemical imbalance in the brain. Given the intricate nature of the disorder, many people need long-term treatment.

Effective treatments for FOA/BPD include talk therapy, medication, mindfulness meditation, mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), and psychotherapy. As of this writing, talk therapy is the most effective means of treatment.

Provided the afflicted person seeks help, the long-term outlook for FOA/BPD is favorable.

5 Reasons A Narcissist Can’t Stay In Love

Can a narcissist fall in love? Whether or not a narcissist can fall in love is a fierce matter of debate. So before we delve too much into why they can’t stay in love, let’s address the above question.

The answer, per most experts, is an unequivocal “Yes.” Here’s what Elinor Greenberg, Ph.D., a psychotherapist who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of various personality disorders, says:

“If you (exes of narcissists) thought that your romantic Narcissistic ex really loved you and wanted to marry you, you are not crazy. Even though he is now gone, your guy actually meant what he said when he said it to you. He was in love with you, or at least his own romantic fantasy of the two of you as the perfect couple.”

The problem is that it’s impossible for the “perfect couple” fantasy to materialize. Life isn’t a fantasy; relationships aren’t a fantasy, and narcissists can’t seem to grasp this elementary concept.

So, yes, a narcissist can fall in love – but why can’t they remain in love?

“My husband didn’t need to raise his voice or hit me, as his method of violence was the words that could cut through me sharper than a knife ever could, destroying any sense of self-confidence I previously had.” ~ Megan Holgate, Life & Divorce Coach

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What Is a Narcissist?

Let’s start by better understanding the terminology.

Narcissism is a personality disorder marked by a strong sense of self-importance and grandiosity. Individuals with narcissistic traits may have an exaggerated sense of their abilities and achievements and seek constant admiration and attention from others. They may also lack empathy for others and tend to exploit and manipulate others to meet their needs.

The term narcissism derives from Greek mythology, where Narcissus was a beautiful young man who fell in love with his reflection in the water. He became so enamored with his reflection that he couldn’t tear himself away, eventually dying from his obsession. In psychology, the term describes a similar preoccupation with oneself.

Narcissism can manifest in numerous ways, ranging from mild to severe.

In some cases, individuals with narcissistic traits may be highly successful and charismatic, but their behavior can disrupt and destroy those around them. They may engage in abusive behavior, including gaslighting, manipulation, and emotional abuse. They do these things to maintain control over others.

Several theories about what causes narcissism include genetic factors, childhood experiences, and cultural influences. Some researchers believe that individuals with narcissistic traits may have had parents who were either overly critical or indulgent, leading to an unstable sense of self-worth.

5 Reasons a Narcissist Cannot Find True Love

Here are five reasons why a narcissist falls in and out of love:

1. Idealism isn’t realism

The Fantasyland desires of a narcissist are not based on realism. The same can be said of any outlandish notion that lacks the means of transforming the idea into reality.

One may dream of a pristine mansion on the coast of the most beautiful beach, but unless you’re a multi-millionaire, it won’t happen. We innately know and accept such things – narcissists do not.

It should be noted that the idealization of relationships isn’t the only “head in the clouds” feature playing in a narcissist’s head. They picture the perfect home, body, car, occupation, etc.

2. They need a constant “supply”

A user on Quora explained their experience of being married to a narcissist:

“Like an oxygen tank to a Scuba diver, we just give them the supply of what they need at that time, and, like the oxygen tank, once they have no more use for us, we’re simply discarded without a second thought.”

Psychoanalyst Otto Fenichel introduced the term Narcissistic supply in 1938. It is “a type of admiration, interpersonal support, or sustenance drawn by an individual from his or her environment and essential to their self-esteem.”

Once their ‘supply’ is out, it’s out. Unfortunately, so is the narcissist’s partner.

3. Their partner is only human

Simply put, if the narcissist doesn’t end the relationship, their partner may (and hopefully does.) A narcissist’s lack of empathy, manipulative nature and verbal insults are not conducive to a healthy and fulfilling relationship.

Unfortunately, narcissists have a deviously charming way of “reeling” someone back in. Why would they want to do this? Because they’re afraid of their Narcissistic supply running out. Pretty twisted.

Hopefully, the other person will see the narcissist for what he or she is – and move on before their life is in shambles.

4. A person is not an island

If their partner can’t separate fact from fiction, someone else just may. Most of us have a support system – family and friends – who will provide thoughtful insight into a person. Sadly, too often it’s a therapist or an expert on personality disorders (which narcissists have) who conveys the truth about the individual.

If there’s one piece of advice to give here, seek insight from “people readers” within one’s social circle. And, most importantly, listen for recurring opinions.

5. There’s always “something more”

“There’s always something more” explains a narcissist’s life in four words. “Nothing is good enough” is an appropriate second option.

Narcissists’ needs are always in flux. They’re never satisfied with anything for long, and their decisions are never final. Combined with a highly materialistic nature, it’s no surprise that narcissists are never satisfied.

Here are a few communications you might hear from NPD-diagnosed individuals:

  • “My many accomplishments are my everything.”
  • “I dyed my hair blonde and received breast implants to get men’s attention – and  I love to make other women jealous.”
  • “I never want to be looked down upon as poor.  So my fiancé and I each drive a Mercedes. The best man at our upcoming wedding ceremony also drives a Mercedes.”

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Final Thoughts on Why a Narcissist Cannot Truly Love Another

Treating narcissism can be difficult. That’s because individuals with the disorder may resist therapy and not realize they need help. So if you are in a relationship who struggles with this personality disorder, it may be best to guard your heart. Encourage them to seek help and support them. But do not surrender yourself to their manipulations.

15 Compliments To Give Your Partner That Will Make You Fall In Love All Over Again

Sometimes, when we’ve been with our partners for a long time, compliments can often dwindle. Whether we mean to or not, we may start to take our partners for granted, assuming that they’ll always be there with us.

Even if they will, it’s important to keep our bonds strong throughout the years together because, “when we pay a compliment to someone, we feel better about ourselves by making another person feel better about him- or herself!” says etiquette expert and author Lisa Mirza Grotts. Compliments can turn someone’s day around, and they can also connect you emotionally with your partner again.

Here Are 15 Compliments That’ll Make You Fall In Love With Your Partner

“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.” – Leo Buscaglia

1. Specific compliments

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When giving your partner a compliment, you want it to be specific to them. This will show that you appreciate them for who they are, as unique individuals.

A general piece of praise just doesn’t mean as much to anyone as a more detailed one. By pointing out a specific aspect of another person, it shows that you have taken real interest in them,” says author Michael Davidson.

Focus on a specific thing that they do that no one else does. This will make it so much more meaningful and special.

2. Emotional compliments

Pairing them s with specific emotions can make your partner feel ten times better than with just a compliment alone. For example, you can tell your partner that you appreciate the way they cook dinner, because it makes you feel loved and safe. That will give them a burst of affection, as well as point out that you appreciate all the hard work they do.

3. Encouraging compliments

This kind of compliment encourages your partner to continue to do and try new things, or encourage them to get better at things they’re not good at. If your partner isn’t very good at cooking, but they try and make you a meal anyway, it’s important to give them encouraging compliments.

4. Affirming compliments

Giving your partner little words of affirmation throughout your time together will remind them that you really enjoy being with them. Even if it’s been years and years that you’ve been together, remembering to affirm your love for your partner through little compliments can make it easier than ever to fall in love with one another over and over every single day.

5. Unasked for compliments

Don’t wait for your partner to ask for your affirmation. If they’re getting a new haircut or trying on a new outfit, be ready to compliment them on their choices. Your partner may feel like they’re prompting you if they always have to ask for affirmation, and it may start to feel like you’re only saying what they want to hear.

6. Asked for compliments

Of course, compliments don’t always have to be given out at a whim. Even if you should be ready to give your partner affirmation without them asking for it, you should also always be ready to give it to them when they do. If they’re looking for you to say something, make sure that you do. It’ll make your partner feel just as loved as any other compliment.

7. Appreciative

Does your partner always do the washing up, or cooking? Maybe they always take out the garbage or fix things around the house. Whatever it is that your partner does that you appreciate, make sure they know.

Chances are good that it took some effort for the other person to achieve whatever it is you are complimenting them on. They will like your compliment even more if you acknowledge that effort. It shows that you appreciate what was going on “behind the scenes” to make it happen,” adds Davidson.

Appreciative compliments let your partner know you’re not taking them for granted.

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8. Compliments to foster communication

If you like when your partner does something, and want them to keep doing it, please drop them a compliment! It can be something as easy as, “I like when you [blank] because it makes me feel [emotion].” This makes it easier to let your partner know that you enjoy something because it’s pairing what they’re doing with making you feel something good.

9. Sexy

Of course, one of the secrets to a good, long partnership is an active and healthy intimate life. Sexy compliments can bolster your partner’s confidence and make them feel good about themselves. This will ensure that they continue to feel good in the bedroom when you both get intimate.

10. Your life together

Nothing will make your partner feel more loved and appreciated than compliments about how your life together is the best one that you could have imagined. Let your partner know that you’re glad you married them, or that you’re glad to live together. Tell them you’re so happy that they’re in your life.

11. Your partner’s appearance

If you’ve been together for a while, you’ve probably seen your partner in all kinds of stages of life – maybe they’re graying at the temples, or have more laugh lines than they did when you first met. Make sure you let your partner know they’re still as attractive to you as the day you met.

12. Intelligence

Letting your partner know that you value their opinions and thoughts on things is a great way to give a compliment that will leave your partner glowing. Complimenting your partner on their appearance is good, but make sure your partner knows they’re appreciated for more than that.

13. Parenting

If you and your partner have children, compliment them on their parenting. Nobody gets everything right the first time, and parenting can be hard at times. But complimenting your partner on how they help parent your children will foster love and affection between you.

14. Off-hand

Complimenting your partner doesn’t always have to be a production. While it can be used to foster communication and enhance things in the bedroom, it can also be done casually. After all, compliments only take a moment – let your partner know that you appreciate them in all the little things that they do.

15. Intimate

While sexy compliments are good for spicing up your time in the bedroom, intimate compliments are more about affirming how safe you feel sharing that part of yourself with your partner. Letting your partner know what you like and complimenting them on how well they respond to your needs intimately will help both of you grow closer together.

Relationship therapist Jean Fitzpatrick, LP, says, “Compliments serve as deposits in a couple’s emotional savings account so that you have a foundation to draw on when tough times or conflicts arise.” Learning how to compliment your partner will make them feel seen, validated and special.

Even if all you’re doing is complimenting something that they’ve done a hundred times – like the way they make tea – falling in love all over again with your partner is beautiful, and the right compliments will make it easier than ever.

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