The gift of apology

Poet Hugh Prather says, "People eventually forgive and come back together because we need friends more than we need pride." Being able to say "I'm sorry" as issues come up helps to keep the slate clean the entire year. So swallow your pride and apologize.

The gift of appreciation

I've never met a spouse who didn't like to be appreciated. Simple words such as "thank you" are a vital gift to give your partner. This is simply another way to say "I love you."

The gift of anticipation

The couple that hopes together, stays together. Find something to look forward to and anticipate it together. This can be a little thing like a meal cooked together, the birth of your first or next child, or anything in between.

The gift of memory

Call up your spouse's friends and ask them to share their favorite memory of your spouse. Then put them all in a nice journal, scrapebook, DVD, etc.

The gift of belonging

Another one of our deepest human needs is to feel like we belong to something greater than ourselves. And we will go to just about any length in order to belong. During this holiday season, together you can include someone in your plans who otherwise might not have anyone.

Jeff Herring

Jeff is a marriage and family therapist, singles and relationship coach, mentor coach, speaker, syndicated relationship columnist and author.

Jeff has a full time private practice in Tallahassee in which he specializes in couples, teen and parent counseling. He also is a relationship coach specializing in working with couples and singles. Some of his professional activities include:

==> Internationally syndicated relationship columnist through Knight-Ridder/Tribune Media Services, with a weekly readership of over 10 million worldwide

==> Sought after speaker for organizations, associations, churches, and corporations

==>Twice weekly appearances on The Steve and Sara Show on Magic 107.1

==> Author of "Keep the Changes: 52 Tools for Successful Living" a collection of his best columns, as well as several e-books including "How to Create a Passionate and Loving Relationship.........Forever," "How to Beat the BOZOs: Dealing with difficult people without becoming one," and "Tame Your Teen: THE survival guide for parenting your teenager.

==> Founder and CEO of TheArticleGuy.com

==> Founder and CEO of SecretsofGreatRelationships.com

==> Founder and CEO of ParentingYourTeeanger.com

==> Founder and CEO of ToolsforSuccessfulLiving.com

==> President of BuildingYourIdealPractice.com

==> President of ConsciousDatingTallahassee.com