{Be A Better Spouse Challenge} Tip #12: Live As Though It’s Your Last Day Together

How often do we take our loved ones for granted?  It’s human nature to grow accustomed to how things are and become comfortable.  But in doing so, we can let pettiness and small insults fester. We harbor resentments and hold our apologies, all because we know there will be time to resolve the situation later.

“I’ll show my appreciation another time,” we tell ourselves. “They know I love them,” we reason.  “I can be difficult but they understand,” we rationalize.

Would we act the same way if we knew today would be the last day on earth we’d spend with them?

Take a second to imagine life without that special someone.  It changes your perspective completely. Suddenly, the small things you’ve obsessed over or fought about look petty and trivial.

Life is fragile. None of us is guaranteed a tomorrow.  Live like today will be the last you have with your spouse, and then thank God when you’re granted another.

Try these tips:

• Call them, right now, and tell them you love them. Save that Word document, log off Facebook, and go have a 5-minute chat to tell your spouse that you love and appreciate what they’ve brought to your life.
• Pick up flowers on the way home (ladies, you can do this too!) for no other reason than “I’m happy to be married to you.”
• Pick up dinner on the way home and eat it on the floor, picnic style.
• Fall asleep in each other’s arms.

How is the challenge going so far, BMWK family? Has anyone seen a difference in their relationship?

About the author

Tara Pringle Jefferson is managing editor of BlackAndMarriedWithKids.com. She’s also the author of Make It Happen: The Young Mommy Guide To Creating The Career You Crave. Follow her on Twitter or check out her blog for her insights on what it means to be a mom, wife, student, writer, and about three other labels she’s too tired to remember.

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