--- title: "Marriage Advice: Love Is in the Little Things" description: Most couples underestimate the power of small, daily actions that either destroy or build a happy and healthy relationship. Learn 10 ways to nurture yours! image: https://blog.heartmanity.com/hubfs/Young-musician-couple-embracing-in-front-dramatic-sky-499426870_Compressed.jpeg --- [![Heartmanity](https://heartmanity.com/wp-content/files/heartmanity-logo-web.png "Heartmanity")](https://heartmanity.com) [Schedule a Conversation](https://heartmanity.as.me/schedule.php?appointmentType=30172362) [Shop](https://heartmanity-services-products.myshopify.com/) [Join the Community](https://heartmanitycommunity.mn.co/) [Get In Touch](https://heartmanity.com/contact/) - [Home](https://heartmanity.com/) - [Our Focus and Expertise](https://heartmanity.com/our-focus-and-expertise/) - [BrainFitness](https://heartmanity.com/brain-fitness/) - [Emotional Intel](https://heartmanity.com/emotional-intel/) - [Habits for Health](https://heartmanity.com/habits-for-health/) - [Relationship Mastery](https://heartmanity.com/relationship-mastery/) - [About](https://heartmanity.com/about/) - [Individuals](https://heartmanity.com/individuals/) - [No-Nonsense Coaching](https://heartmanity.com/no-nonsense-coaching/) - [Return to Serenity](https://heartmanity.com/return-to-serenity/) - [One-Year Makeover](https://heartmanity.com/one-year-makeover/) - Couples - [Drama-Free Marriage](https://heartmanity.com/drama-free-marriage/) - [Marriage Tune-Up](https://heartmanity.com/resources/drama-free-resources/#tune-up) - [Couples Mentoring](https://heartmanity.com/resources/drama-free-resources/#mentoring) - [Premarital Coaching](https://heartmanity.com/resources/drama-free-resources/#coaching) - [Drama-Free Weddings](https://heartmanity.com/resources/drama-free-resources/#weddings) - Parents - [HeartPrints® Parenting](https://heartmanity.com/heartprints-parenting/) - [Parent Coaching](https://heartmanity.com/resources/heartprints-resources/#coaching) - [Family Coaching](https://heartmanity.com/resources/heartprints-resources/#visits) - [WombPrints](https://heartmanity.com/heartprints-parenting/#wombprints) - [Professionals](https://heartmanity.com/professionals/) - [Heartmanity for Business](https://heartmanity.com/business/) - [Heartlead Business](https://heartmanity.com/heartmanity-for-business/) - [MomPreneurs](https://heartmanity.com/mompreneurs/) - [Resources](https://heartmanity.com/resources/) - [Heartlead Resources](https://heartmanity.com/resources/heartlead-resources/) - [Drama-Free Resources](https://heartmanity.com/resources/drama-free-resources/) - [HeartPrints® Resources](https://heartmanity.com/resources/heartprints-resources/) - [Personal Growth Resources](https://heartmanity.com/resources/personal-growth-resources/) - [Blog](https://blog.heartmanity.com/) - [Emotional Intelligence & Fitness](https://blog.heartmanity.com/topic/emotional-intelligence-fitness) - [Leadership and Business](https://blog.heartmanity.com/topic/leadership-and-business) - [Love, Marriage, and Relationships](https://blog.heartmanity.com/topic/love-marriage-and-relationships) - [Parents: Permission to Be Imperfect](https://blog.heartmanity.com/topic/parents-permission-to-be-imperfect) - [Brain Fitness, Mindfulness and Perspective](https://blog.heartmanity.com/topic/brain-fitness-mindfulness-and-perspective) - [Communication & Interpersonal Skills](https://blog.heartmanity.com/topic/communication-interpersonal-skills) - [Habits for Health](https://blog.heartmanity.com/topic/habits-for-health) Heartmanity's Blog Search Search - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. Topics: Select a topic... All Emotional Intelligence & Fitness Leadership and Business Love, Marriage, and Relationships Parents: Permission to Be Imperfect Brain Fitness, Mindfulness and Perspective Communication & Interpersonal Skills Habits for Health Heartmanity Webinars, Classes, and Events Filters # [*Marriage Advice: Love Is in the Little Things*](https://blog.heartmanity.com/marriage-advice) When my husband and I were first married, I was anything but pleasant whenever he called me during a workday. Interrupting my focus irritated me *until* I realized that in relationships and parenting, interruptions are opportunities for loving connection! I was reminded of this bedrock of our relationship last week when my husband left the following phone message: “My heart is broken that I missed your call!” (So if you call me and get a full mailbox, it’s likely filled with my husband’s love messages saved for replaying.) The week before, he told me that his heart flutters every time he sees my car in the driveway. These gestures are the actual chocolates of love. *Estimated reading time: 4 minutes* ## ![Young couple embracing with a beautiful clouded sky in the background.](https://blog.heartmanity.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Young-musician-couple-embracing-in-front-dramatic-sky-499426870_Compressed.jpeg?width=2284&height=1313&name=Young-musician-couple-embracing-in-front-dramatic-sky-499426870_Compressed.jpeg)Embrace Your Humanness with Compassion You can learn a simple lesson from my husband’s example. [The little things matter](https://blog.heartmanity.com/marriage-advice-sweat-the-small-stuff). Give emotional chocolates every day! When they become a habit, it's a burst of that honeymoon feeling continually. In romance, marriage, and relationships, we too often underestimate the small actions that either hurt or enhance our relationship. Every day, we have dozens of opportunities to show our partner we care and that they are number one in our lives. ### When Love is Soured by "Never Good Enough" Last night, while coaching a couple, both partners complained about not being a priority in each other’s lives. Each had different reasons for feeling undervalued: being on their phone instead of paying attention to them and making time with friends more important than spending quality time together. Both are opportunities for grace, renewal, and showing each other that they are loved. If what your partner does is never good enough, it strangles the will to try. The husband above told me recently that he is so discouraged because no matter what he does, the bar keeps being raised. Nothing is ever good enough, so why try? Listen whenever your partner voices hurts—these are the breadcrumbs to their hearts. Show your love in the way that is meaningful to them, not you. Just like consistent deposits in your bank account that add up and accrue interest, so do consistent deposits in your partner’s emotional bank account. And when it’s overdrawn, [strife and arguments](https://blog.heartmanity.com/the-stop-drop-and-roll-of-successful-communication-in-relationships) ensue. The majority of time, effort, and energy needs to be directed toward nurturance and connection.  ## 10 Loving Ways to Nurture Your Relationship Nurturing a love relationship with tenderness and care can deepen the bond and connection between partners dramatically. Here are ten loving ways to [nurture your relationship](https://blog.heartmanity.com/how-to-prune-your-relationship-for-greater-love). Take it from me and learn from decades of a happy marriage. **![Marriage Advice: Tip 1](https://blog.heartmanity.com/hs-fs/hubfs/HeartmanityLOGO%20Thumbs.jpg?width=75&height=59&name=HeartmanityLOGO%20Thumbs.jpg) 1  Express gratitude frequently.** Make it a habit to thank your partner for the big and little things they do. This acknowledgment helps them to feel valued and appreciated. Gratitude is contagious… [here’s the science](https://blog.heartmanity.com/science-of-gratitude)! **![Marriage Advice: Tip 2](https://blog.heartmanity.com/hs-fs/hubfs/HeartmanityLOGO%20Thumbs.jpg?width=75&height=59&name=HeartmanityLOGO%20Thumbs.jpg)2  Prioritize quality time together.** Set aside dedicated time for just the two of you. Whether it’s a date night or a quiet evening at home, focus entirely on each other *without distractions*. This advice might seem obvious, but you’d be surprised how many couples allow their hectic lives to disrupt quality time... *way too long.* **![Marriage Advice: Tip 3](https://blog.heartmanity.com/hs-fs/hubfs/HeartmanityLOGO%20Thumbs.jpg?width=75&height=59&name=HeartmanityLOGO%20Thumbs.jpg)3  Communicate openly and honestly.** Keep the lines of communication open—practice ways to [effectively share](https://blog.heartmanity.com/5-way-to-nurture-your-marriage-through-effective-communication) your thoughts, feelings, and concerns respectfully and honestly. Communication is the lifeline of every relationship, so invest in it! **![Marriage Advice: Tip 4](https://blog.heartmanity.com/hs-fs/hubfs/HeartmanityLOGO%20Thumbs.jpg?width=75&height=59&name=HeartmanityLOGO%20Thumbs.jpg)4  Show regular affection.** Small gestures of affection, such as holding hands, hugging, or a spontaneous kiss, can go a long way in maintaining physical closeness. And perhaps you can find out your [partner’s love language](https://blog.heartmanity.com/why-knowing-your-partners-love-language-can-strengthen-your-bond) and make a point of doing something special every day to nurture them in that specific way. **![Marriage Advice: Tip 5](https://blog.heartmanity.com/hs-fs/hubfs/HeartmanityLOGO%20Thumbs.jpg?width=75&height=59&name=HeartmanityLOGO%20Thumbs.jpg)5  Support each other’s goals     and dreams.** Be your partner’s cheerleader. Support them in their goals and dreams, offering encouragement and assistance whenever possible. This is another thing my husband does spectacularly. He is my biggest advocate and has always cheered me on without reservation. When you have a BIG why, don't let it compete with your relationship, let it enrich it. **![Marriage Advice: Tip 6](https://blog.heartmanity.com/hs-fs/hubfs/HeartmanityLOGO%20Thumbs.jpg?width=75&height=59&name=HeartmanityLOGO%20Thumbs.jpg)6  Create new memories as a couple.** Engage in new activities together to keep the relationship exciting and dynamic. Whether it’s traveling, taking a class, or trying a new hobby, shared experiences can create lasting bonds. **![Marriage Advice: Tip 7](https://blog.heartmanity.com/hs-fs/hubfs/HeartmanityLOGO%20Thumbs.jpg?width=75&height=59&name=HeartmanityLOGO%20Thumbs.jpg)7  Practice acceptance of     your partner’s imperfections.** Holding onto grudges can poison a relationship. We are all human and imperfect. Embracing this fact in a relationship enables us to have more compassion toward our partner. Learn to forgive, [let go](https://blog.heartmanity.com/let-go-of-expectations-and-start-enjoying-your-relationship), and move on from conflicts and misunderstandings. In a relationship, acceptance of faults and mistakes builds greater understanding and a quicker reconciliation when we do have a disagreement. This increased tolerance doesn't mean that you let your partner off the hook; firmly (but kindly) hold them accountable to show up in the relationship, be respectful, and honor their love and commitment. However, far too often, couples fail to let go of past hurts or resolve conflicts effectively and those wounds discolor the present. It's too easy to make [complaining](https://blog.heartmanity.com/relationship-rescue-turn-complaints-into-closeness) or pointing out what's wrong habitual. When needed, approach your partner with firm yet encouraging accountability and put the lion's share of your effort into [growing yourself](https://blog.heartmanity.com/if-you-want-a-successful-marriage-increase-self-mastery)! **![Marriage Advice: Tip 8](https://blog.heartmanity.com/hs-fs/hubfs/HeartmanityLOGO%20Thumbs.jpg?width=75&height=59&name=HeartmanityLOGO%20Thumbs.jpg)8  Nurture a sense of humor.** Laugh together. Laugh often. A shared sense of humor can ease tension and bring immense joy into your relationship. My husband and I have cultivated a momentum in laughter, even when we mess up. It may be our single most delightful quality—laughing replenishes us daily. ![Laugh Often](https://blog.heartmanity.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Laugh%20Often.jpeg?width=152&height=114&name=Laugh%20Often.jpeg) I have this little sign at my desk to remind me to lighten up and capture joy frequently. Life is so much more fun when you don't take yourself so seriously!   **![Marriage Advice: Tip 9](https://blog.heartmanity.com/hs-fs/hubfs/HeartmanityLOGO%20Thumbs.jpg?width=75&height=59&name=HeartmanityLOGO%20Thumbs.jpg)9  Be mindful and thoughtful in     your interactions.** Surprise your partner occasionally with acts of kindness or small gifts that show you know and care about their likes and interests. [Be mindful in your communication](https://blog.heartmanity.com/3-mindful-ways-to-communicate-better-in-a-relationship) and choose to be more positive and encouraging. Negativity is the death knell of a [healthy relationship](https://blog.heartmanity.com/marriage-statistics). Complaining eats away at safety and a sense of belonging. Choose love ... and loving. **![Marriage Advice: Tip 10](https://blog.heartmanity.com/hs-fs/hubfs/HeartmanityLOGO%20Thumbs.jpg?width=75&height=59&name=HeartmanityLOGO%20Thumbs.jpg)10  Support individual needs       and personal space.** While togetherness is essential, respecting each other’s need for personal space is crucial. Encourage hobbies, exercise, and friendships outside the relationship to maintain a healthy balance. ### Closing Thoughts Implementing the above practices can significantly enhance the quality and happiness of your relationship, making both partners feel more connected and secure. Remember, love is shown in the little things we do each day. And every day gives you a [choice to love](https://blog.heartmanity.com/love-is-a-choice-best-marriage-advice), truly love. Leave love imprints that are keepsakes like my husband! If you benefited and enjoyed this article, sign up for our HeartMail newsletter, so you don't ever miss the best relationship blog out there! 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Jennifer is happily married and the mother of three grown children who are incredible human beings. ### You may also like: ![Is Your Relationship Communication Stifling or Deepening Your Love?](https://blog.heartmanity.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Cosy-weekend-chats-658408252_Compressed.jpeg?width=250&height=150&name=Cosy-weekend-chats-658408252_Compressed.jpeg) [Is Your Relationship Communication Stifling or Deepening Your Love?](https://blog.heartmanity.com/relationship-communication) ![Create a Successful Marriage: Don't Compromise!](https://blog.heartmanity.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Taking-photos-of-beautiful-nature-641236068_2122x1416-1.jpeg?width=250&height=150&name=Taking-photos-of-beautiful-nature-641236068_2122x1416-1.jpeg) [Create a Successful Marriage: Don't Compromise!](https://blog.heartmanity.com/create-a-successful-marriage-dont-compromise) ![The Grounded Connection: How to Have a Happy Marriage in a High-Voltage World](https://blog.heartmanity.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Love-187046640_Compressed.jpeg?width=250&height=150&name=Love-187046640_Compressed.jpeg) [The Grounded Connection: How to Have a Happy Marriage in a High-Voltage World](https://blog.heartmanity.com/how-to-have-a-happy-marriage) ![How Your Phone Is Quietly Dulling Emotional Intimacy in Your Relationship](https://blog.heartmanity.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Couple%20on%20couch%20both%20on%20phones_SM_Compressed.png?width=250&height=150&name=Couple%20on%20couch%20both%20on%20phones_SM_Compressed.png) [How Your Phone Is Quietly Dulling Emotional Intimacy in Your Relationship](https://blog.heartmanity.com/the-invisible-relationship-firewall-is-your-phone-blocking-real-intimacy) Posted in [Love, Marriage, and Relationships](https://blog.heartmanity.com/topic/love-marriage-and-relationships) © Heartmanity 2026 [Back to Blog](https://blog.heartmanity.com) ### Free Newsletter! 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[Sitemap](https://heartmanity.com/sitemap/) | [Privacy Policy](https://info.heartmanity.com/privacy-policy) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "NewsArticle", "author" : [ { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Jennifer A. Williams / Heartmanity Founder", "url" : "https://blog.heartmanity.com/author/jennifer-a-williams-heartmanity-founder" } ], "dateModified" : "2024-07-29T01:53:04", "datePublished" : "2024-05-20T19:45:00", "headline" : "Marriage Advice: Love Is in the Little Things", "image" : [ "https://info.heartmanity.com/hubfs/Young-musician-couple-embracing-in-front-dramatic-sky-499426870_Compressed.jpeg" ] } ```