916: See Me, Know Me, Celebrate Me
“The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate.” —Oprah Winfrey
What does it truly mean to celebrate your spouse? Not just on birthdays, anniversaries, or holidays… but in the everyday moments that make them feel seen and known?
We have been celebrating a lot lately, and the way we celebrate each other looks different because we are different people. What feels meaningful to one spouse is not always what feels meaningful to the other.
You might enjoy a quiet dinner alone while your spouse loves a surprise party with friends and family. Maybe you love adventurous excursions while your spouse prefers a thoughtful gift.
And it goes beyond the big occasions. How are you celebrating the everyday wins too, such as promotions, health goals, answered prayers, and personal victories?
Here is the reality: Most couples are not celebrating each other enough. And only 33% of people in the ONE Family say their spouse knows how they like to be celebrated.
That matters because when your spouse does not know what makes you feel celebrated, good intentions can still miss the mark, leaving both of you disappointed and frustrated.
The good news? It does not have to be elaborate or expensive. Some of the most meaningful celebrations are simple:
- Getting coffee together
- A handwritten note
- Flowers or a favorite dessert
- Trying a new restaurant
- Complimenting them in front of others
- Planning something out of the norm
What matters most is that it is specific and personalized. It needs to say, “I see you and I know you.”
When you approach celebration that way, it engages all 6 Pillars of Intimacy®: emotional intimacy grows through these conversations, recreational intimacy is strengthened as you make new memories, financial intimacy may come into play, and so on.
But when celebration is missing or generic, it can hurt.
So start by asking your spouse how they like to be celebrated:
- Do you like surprises or do you prefer to know the plan?
- Do you prefer gifts or experiences?
- What has made you feel celebrated in the past?
- Do you like celebrating with others or just the two of us?
Then celebrate your spouse according to who they are.
Not just on Mother’s Day or Father’s Day. Not just on birthdays or anniversaries. But in the milestones and moments that make up your everyday life together.
Celebration is not just about reaching a goal. It is an opportunity to show your spouse they are seen, known, and loved.
Resources
The 6 Pillars at Sea Marriage Getaway
Connect with Us
Join the ONE Family private Facebook group to share your story and connect with other couples who are creating extraordinary marriages. To reach us on the Hug Hotline, call or text 858-876-5663 or email hugs@oneextraordinarymarriage.com.
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