One of the things I try to do in all my work with people is to develop and use tools & solutions that are simple, quick, and easy to remember.

Along those lines, here are 3 things you can do on a regular basis to keep the connection alive in your relationship.

The AAA Approach has nothing to do with the American Automobile Association (although I know a few marriages that could use a jumpstart!)

The AAA Approach helps you to remember, on some kind of regular basis, to:

Apologize for something from the past. This helps couples to get, and then keep, a clean slate.

Appreciate something in the present. We all like to be appreciated, and it really shows weve been paying attention. It can be something big - Thanks for spending your life with me or something relatively small - Thanks for picking up the milk on your way home. Either way, a little appreciation can go a long way.

Anticipate - We are creatures who like to look forward to something. This is sometimes called hope. A driving metaphor can be useful here. Which is bigger in your car, the rearview mirror or the windshield? Have you ever tried to drive looking only through the rearview mirror? Not something I would recommend. These proportions apply to relationships as well. Anticipating together can draw you closer, keep you connected, and give you hope for the future.