Have you ever noticed how we can be more rude to our partner than to a complete stranger?

I know I have done it, and I've watched other people treat their partner in a way they would never even dream of treating a friend or even a total stranger.

I think it starts with taking each other for granted. When we take someone for granted, we no longer begin to see them as a unique person with needs and wants ands hurt just like you and I.

This why it takes so long for children to see their parents as real people separate from the role of parent.

In a love relationship, when we begin to take someone for granted, we are no longer drifting apart, we are rushing apart.

Appreciation heals

One sure fire way to stop taking someone for granted is to appreciate them. Make a list of the things you appreciate about your partner. And then do two things with the list:

1. Keep it close to you, so yo can read it often,

2. Share the list with your partner.

After you have been together for a while, it's easy to slip into doing things you never would have done when you were dating. So don't do things like hang around in your underwear, unless of course it's sexy.

Visit SecretsofGreatRelationships.com for tips and tools for creating and growing a great relationship. You can also subscribe to our f*r*e*e 10 day e-program on how to enrich your relationship today, from relationship coach and expert Jeff Herring.