Say 'good morning' and 'good-bye.'
Sounds simple, but this small gesture can have a big impact. Think about it: Before you close your computer and grab your cell phone to catch a train home, you usually tell your co-workers good-bye, right? Or after drinks with your pals or meeting with your child's teacher, you probably wish them well. That partner of yours deserves the same treatment. "Not saying 'good morning,' or anything at all for that matter, can make your partner feel isolated and underappreciated," says Sara Sedlik, MA, a licensed marriage and family therapist in Redondo Beach, California. "And saying good-bye is as important as saying hello. It is acknowledging that person, whether you are fighting or not. Storming out the door or just leaving feels abandoning to most people. Mornings can be the most stressful time, and it is easy to take your partner for granted, which leads to further resentment and disconnection."