Weekend Activity: A Toast To Your Partner

Think back over the past year. What are you proud of your partner for accomplishing or working hard on in 2015? Once you have identified something, write down some elements of what you have chosen.

Ask Yourself…

What specifically are you proud of?

How has this hard work benefited your relationship?

What positive changes have you seen in your partner as a result of this accomplishment?

How will this hard work benefit your future together as a couple?

Get Prepared…

Once you have finished jotting down these ideas, piece them together as if you were going to toast your partner – because this week’s Weekend Activity is a toast to your partner!

Go out and get a bottle of champagne (or wine if you are champagned out from the new year – or a nice bottle of non-alcoholic sparkling wine if you are not into spirits) to use for your toast.

The toast doesn’t have to be something extravagant. You can make a big to-do of it if you want, with a nice dinner and well-prepared speech. Or you can sit on the couch in your pajamas, pop a bottle, and read some things from a crumpled piece of paper.

Either way, your only goal is to relate to your partner how proud you are of them and to celebrate their accomplishments.

Local Tip: If you live in the Asheville area, I recommend Metro Wines on Charlotte Street and Joni’s Artisanal Wine and Beer in Biltmore Park. I have received friendly customer service at both of these locations.

How will this help my relationship?

According to Dr. John Gottman, researcher of couples for over 40 years, sharing fondness and admiration for your partner is an essential piece of the foundation of any successful relationship.

As a matter of fact, the act of sharing fondness and admiration is the second story of the Sound Relationship House. The essential elements of the Sound Relationship House will be covered in future posts, but for now just remember to focus on what your partner is doing right. This will cultivate an environment to grow affection and respect.

Singles Edition:

This activity can be used as a way to nurture your friendships as well. Plan a time to get together with your BFF’s, whether at someone’s house for dinner or at your favorite restaurant, and toast to each other’s accomplishments over the past year.

Use this as a time to brag on your friends for all the hard work they put toward a goal or intention in 2015.

If you are nervous about your toast, just watch Joey. I’m sure you can beat this…