We all want to feel appreciated, seen, and connected in our relationships, but often, we feel the opposite. We feel unappreciated and taken for granted. That’s because we were never taught how to express appreciation meaningfully. But appreciation in a relationship is essential, so learning how to express it in a way that makes your partner feel seen is important.

In this heartfelt episode of Caitlin’s Couch, Caitlin shares a deeply personal story that sparked an essential lesson on the power of appreciation in relationships. After a long and difficult chapter supporting her husband through a decade-long PhD journey, a simple yet emotional moment of genuine gratitude from him reminded her just how impactful heartfelt appreciation can be. Caitlin breaks down why appreciation isn’t just a “nice to have,” it’s foundational to intimacy and connection. She introduces a practical, 3-step process for expressing appreciation in a way that truly makes your partner feel seen, valued, and emotionally connected. Whether you're in a long-term partnership or just beginning one, this episode will leave you reflecting on how you give and receive love and how to do both more meaningfully.

Key Takeaways:

* Appreciation is foundational, not optional in a thriving relationship.

* Emotional expression and specificity are what make appreciation land.

* Many people struggle with expressing and receiving appreciation, but it’s a skill that can be learned.

* Feeling truly seen can be healing, even if we didn’t know how much we needed it.

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