Now we realize that these definitions don’t quite do justice to what we might have felt and experienced to be love right, because it goes far beyond just a good giddy feeling, goose-bumps, and warm laughter. Yes, those things are connected to love, but love itself is a much, much deeper subject.
I really like this definition of love, as recorded by the ancient theologian Paul, in which he says, ” Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres” 1st Corinthians 13:4-7 (NIV)
Can you imagine what your relationship would really be like is you shared just a few of those qualities with your spouse?
Okay, let’s break some of this down so we can simply grow our relationships for better fulfillment and satisfaction. Here are three simple techniques you can use:
1. Focus on loving your partner. Sound simple right? but is it always easy? Well, if we went with just the feelings of love, there are many times that we would not show love, because we didn’t feel like it.
We get angry, have disagreements, and many other ups and downs in our relationships that just the feeling of love would be too weak for our connection to survive. So, we must begin by understanding that to love someone, is a conscious decision you make everyday. Did you get that? You DECIDE to love – not simple FEEL love.
In nurturing a positive relationship, your main focus should be on simply loving your partner. Show your love in both your words and actions, in all you say and do.
* The expression “actions speak louder than words,” is definitely true when it comes to a relationship. However, your partner still wants to hear you say, “I love you.”
* Be generous with compliments and mean what you say.
2. Use charitable acts. The things you do for your partner make a difference in your relationship. When you love someone, acts of kindness toward him or her come naturally.
* No action should be done just because you feel obligated to do it. The things you do for your partner should be done because you want to do them.
* Remember, your actions are more important than your words, so use them to help build up a relationship that’s naturally positive.
3. Respect your partner. Always respect your partner in every way to build a lasting and positive relationship with them. Respect is an important building block of any relationship.
* Respect your partner not only in a physical sense, but also mentally, emotionally, and spiritually as well.
4. Build a strong friendship. Your romantic relationship needs to have the stability and deep roots that come from a strong friendship. With a meaningful friendship as its basis, your relationship becomes stronger and more lasting.
* When you work hard to construct a strong friendship, you can be assured that your relationship is ready to weather whatever life may throw at you in the future.



