Radical Viewpoint: According to the Law of Attraction, love and appreciation are the emotions of highest vibration. It follows that love and appreciation should be our primary quests as we make our way through life. To truly accept someone, you have to unconditionally love them and accept them as they are?not who you want them to be. No one can fulfill all your expectations. And if you focus upon what is wrong with your partner, you are not appreciating them.

General Viewpoint: People need to know they are valued. If you do not feel appreciated, over time, you will naturally develop a detached attitude toward your partner: “If you don’t appreciate me, I’ll find someone who does.” This attitude can open the door to third-party distractions and/or affairs. The appreciation needs to come from all the key life areas. Little appreciations might be, “Thanks for cleaning the kitchen,” or “Thanks for always doing the laundry” ... to bigger appreciations such as, “Thank you for always being in my corner.” Everyone needs to feel appreciated for who and what they are. No one should have to fight their mate to maintain self-esteem.

Common Causes: Lack of appreciation can be due to the faulty assumption that one partner “should” fulfill their stereotypical role in the union. If it is assumed it is their partner’s duty is to do this or do that, there will be no appreciation. Watch out for expectations attached to the partnership. Lack of appreciation can also result from taking one’s partner for granted and to pure laziness. “I’m keeping up with my end of the bargain, my mate should keep up with hers/his,” is as far as you can get from an “attitude of gratitude.” Rethink it.