We could all use a little creativity when it comes to speaking love and appreciation to others. Here are some suggestions that will help get you started:

WORDS OF AFFIRMATION

Next time you overhear someone saying something nice about a friend, relative, spouse, or coworker, pass it along. Send a text or let them know in person the good things that are being said about them without them knowing. The world is full of negative talkers, so it’s always refreshing when we can amplify appreciation.

ACTS OF SERVICE

Acts of service are not just kind and thoughtful deeds done for someone, but often they are things we can do with someone. A good example may be to offer to help out with dishes—“I’ll wash, you dry?” Effective acts of service start with making someone’s life a little bit easier.

GIFTS

Gifts don’t have to be expensive to be thoughtful. Some of the most thoughtful gifts are the ones that connect in some way with a person’s interests and or identity. If someone really likes avocados, try these. If someone loves to watch Shark Week, this could be thoughtful. For more fun and economical gift ideas, click here.

QUALITY TIME

Over the next meal together, take turns completing the following sentence: “Something you may not know about me is . . .” This can be a fun, revealing, and interesting way to spend some quality time focused on the person you are with.

PHYSICAL TOUCH

If you have a gym membership, a workout together with your spouse can be a fun way to get a little physical. Spot each other on the weights, help each other stretch, and don’t forget to check those abs and arms often for muscle growth.