Maria Del Russo - Simple Acts of Love: 500 Little Ways to Make a Big Difference in Your Relationship

Adams Media

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Copyright 2019 by Simon & Schuster, Inc.

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First Adams Media hardcover edition July 2019

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Interior design by Julia Jacintho

Interior images 123RF/Ivan Feoktistov, Rondale

Cover design by Sylvia McArdle

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Names: Del Russo, Maria, author.

Title: Simple acts of love / Maria Del Russo.

Description: Avon, Massachusetts: Adams Media, 2019.

Series: Simple acts.

Identifiers: LCCN 2019006898 | ISBN 9781507210390 (hc) | ISBN 9781507210406 (ebook)

Subjects: LCSH: Man-woman relationships. | Couples. | Love. | Interpersonal relations.

Classification: LCC HQ801 .D44989 2019 | DDC 306.7--dc23

LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2019006898

ISBN 978-1-5072-1039-0

ISBN 978-1-5072-1040-6 (ebook)

Many of the designations used by manufacturers and sellers to distinguish their products are claimed as trademarks. Where those designations appear in this book and Simon & Schuster, Inc., was aware of a trademark claim, the designations have been printed with initial capital letters.

For my mother and father who, through their own marriage, have shown me that love requires plenty of hard workbut that the reward is a beautiful adventure full of laughter, sweetness, and precious memories. I love you both.

Every day offers a new opportunity to share your love for that special someone! In the juggle of work, home, and social responsibilities, you can forget to infuse demonstrations of love into your life with your partner. Luckily, showing your love doesnt have to mean huge, sweeping gestures (although those can be fabulous too). Whether its buying a bouquet of roses or making their favorite cup of coffee, your actions show that you care. Simple Acts of Love shares easy, everyday ways to show your partner how much you love them, including:

Touring locations that are meaningful to you both

Keeping their favorite snack on hand

Slipping a love note into their suitcase before a trip

Truly listening when they are speaking to you

Cleaning up after yourself in a shared bathroom

Getting to know their close friends

Delivering their favorite takeout to their office

And the more you show love to one another, the more love youll cultivate. Once you start being more mindful of showing your love, youll be amazed by how quickly it becomes second nature. Youll also find that when you implement acts of love throughout your daily life with your partner, youll inspire them to do the same. So, whether youre hoping to maintain the passion or reignite the spark; whether youve been together for five weeks, five months, or five yearsflip through the pages ahead for simple ways to bring you and your partner closer together!

Start your morning with a kiss even if you went to bed angry, or you havent brushed your teeth yet. You subconsciously make a choice every day to be with the person sleeping next to you. Planting one on their lips first thing each morning shows your partner that, once again, youre choosing them and the love you two share.

Send them flowers for no reason. Flowers are wonderful gifts for special occasions, but flowers for no reason? Magic. Bonus points if you send a bouquet to their office. Who doesnt love to show off the beautiful blooms their partner sent them to admiring coworkers?

If your partner has a good relationship with their parents, strive to maintain a relationship with them too. You dont necessarily have to pick up the phone and chat with them for hours, but something as simple as sending a text message to check in or wish them a happy birthday will go a long way in showing your partner that their family means a lot to you too.

If you wake up first, fix their coffee or tea the way they like it and bring it back to bed with you. Theres something sweetand sexyabout starting the day in bed together with a cup of your favorite morning beverage.

Every once in a while, do a small task that your partner is normally in charge of. This could be emptying the dishwasher, feeding the pets, or picking up the wine on your way to a dinner party. This seemingly insignificant act goes a long way in showing your partner that you recognize and appreciate the little things they do for your relationship.

IF THEY HAVE A FAVORITE snack , MAKE SURE TO KEEP IT AROUND FOR THEM TO ENJOYESPECIALLY WHILE TRAVELING TOGETHER.

Include them in your decisions. These decisions could be as small as asking them what book you should read next, or as big as choosing to change jobs. Asking their opinion shows your partner that their input matters to you.