Did you start a blossoming romance or recently get married to the love of your life? As Thanksgiving approaches, a time for gratitude, think about your love life and what you’re most thankful for this season.
Gratitude and thankfulness play pivotal roles in healthy and fulfilling relationships. Just ask Wanda Tracey, a Las Vegas-based matchmaker and marriage officiant with years of experience helping individuals find love, strengthen their relationships, and create unique and memorable ceremonies for couples on their special day.
“A heart filled with gratitude is filled with love,” Wanda says. “Deep appreciation, recognition and acceptance are the keys to embodying gratitude. Thankfulness is the natural, heartfelt extension and expression of gratitude.”
She notes that expressing gratitude to romantic partners serves multiple purposes in relationships. “It acknowledges invaluable efforts, sacrifices and contributions to the relationship,” Wanda says. “This acknowledgment can significantly boost your partner's self-esteem, making them feel seen, valued and heard.”
Wanda believes that appreciation is a powerful emotion connected to gratitude. “When partners feel appreciated, they open themselves up to a world of infinite possibilities to transform their lives continuously for the better,” she remarks. “Gratitude, thankfulness, and appreciation enhance relationships. These simple acts can help foster deeper connections, build trust, and nurture stronger bonds.”
Show gratitude to your partner by knowing and understanding their love language. “I encourage my clients to read ‘The Five Love Languages’ by Gary Chapman, as it describes how people express and receive love,” Tracey says.
The five love languages are:
Words of Affirmation: People who value this love language feel most loved when receiving compliments and words of encouragement. Saying "I love you" or "I am grateful for you" are excellent ways to showcase this love language.
Acts of Service: Lending a helping hand to your partner makes them feel valued and appreciated. Show your partner you care by running errands or surprising them with small gestures. Examples of acts of service include cooking for them, grocery shopping, or washing their car.
Receiving Gifts: Those with this love language value thoughtfulness and effort more than the cost or size of a gift. Sending flowers or expressing your feelings in a handwritten letter or card are meaningful ideas for those with this love language.
Quality Time: This involves giving your partner undivided attention. Great examples include eliminating distractions (putting your phone or remote control down when conversing), prioritizing regular date nights, or trying new things together.
Physical Touch: Those with this love language prefer to use physical expressions of love. Show your partner you love them by cuddling, holding hands, kissing, hugging, or other forms of physical connection.
Using the five love languages and embracing gratitude in our romantic relationships can lead to transformative changes that enhance our connections and overall well-being.
As Wanda says, “How we express gratitude shapes and molds our experiences. When we experience a profound sense of peace and fulfillment, it often stems from a heightened state of gratitude. Gratitude positively affects our mind, body and spirit, creating a ripple effect that touches everyone and everything in our lives.”
“A heart filled with gratitude is filled with love. Deep appreciation, recognition and acceptance are the keys to embodying gratitude. Thankfulness is the natural, heartfelt extension and expression of gratitude.”