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When was the last time someone expressed genuine appreciation to you?
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Most people pause when asked this question. Not because appreciation is rare, but because it is often left unspoken.
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In relationships, whether with partners, children, family, or friends, appreciation is one of the simplest and most powerful ways to strengthen connection.
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Imago reminds us that love grows where attention goes. When we intentionally notice and express appreciation, we begin to shift the emotional climate of our relationships.
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💡 Mindful Love Move #9: Appreciation: The Small Practice That Strengthens Love
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Notice the good and say it out loud.
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Appreciation is more than saying thank you. It is the conscious act of recognizing something you value in another person.
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For couples, appreciation helps partners feel seen and valued. Even small acknowledgements, noticing a thoughtful gesture or appreciating something your partner does regularly, can soften defensiveness and deepen trust.
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For those who are single, appreciation strengthens connections with family, friends, colleagues, and chosen family. It can also deepen your relationship with yourself by acknowledging your own efforts and growth.
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And for those raising children, appreciation is one of the greatest gifts we can offer. When children hear what we notice and value about them, their confidence and emotional security grow. Feeling seen helps them thrive.
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✨ A Personal Reflection:
Appreciation changes the tone of a relationship.
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Scott and I have learned over the years that appreciation can shift the atmosphere between us. When we take the time to notice something positive in each other, even something small, the emotional tone of the day changes.
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Instead of focusing on what is not working, we begin to see again the many ways we support and care for one another. It is a small practice, yet its impact can be profound.
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🧪 Try This:
One appreciation a day for the next week.
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Offer one appreciation each day. It might be to a partner, a child, a family member, a friend, or even yourself.
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Notice what happens when appreciation becomes intentional.
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📅 📣 Upcoming Events at Maureen Brine & Associates
If you are a licensed therapist who wants to deepen your work with couples and relationships, this training offers a powerful experiential learning experience. You will gain practical Imago tools that help clients move beyond reactivity and create lasting relational change.
For more information, please visit my website.
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Upcoming Personal Growth Workshop… A Deeper Dive
I am currently developing a weekend workshop for late spring as a follow up to the Keeping the Love You Find workshop. This will be a Deeper Dive experience for those who wish to continue the work.
Stay tuned for more details.
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These workshops are powerful experiential weekends designed to help couples deepen understanding, strengthen connection, and learn the practical tools of Imago Dialogue.
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For more information or to register, please contact Sandy: sandy@maureenbrine.com
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Mindful Love Moves Series
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This newsletter is part of my ongoing Mindful Love Moves series where I share simple relational practices drawn from Imago Relationship Therapy.
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- Recognizing the Echoes of Childhood
- The Art of Repair
- Creating a Shared Vision
- Reigniting Curiosity
- A Holiday Season of Connection
- Zero Negativity
- Rituals of Connection
Each practice builds toward the same goal, creating safer and more conscious relationships.
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Coming Next
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In the next Mindful Love Moves, we will explore how couples and individuals can stay connected during times of stress when life becomes busy, overwhelming, or emotionally challenging.
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Learning how to remain in relationship during difficult moments is one of the most important relational skills we can develop.
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With warmth and intention,
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Maureen Brine
RN Psychotherapist
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