One Thing I've Learned From Living With a Psychologist

My partner Michelle, is a psychologist, and she’s smart.

When I make her coffee she thanks me for it and tells me how good it is.

When I cook for her, she tells me it tastes wonderful.

When I take her dancing she tells me how much she enjoys it and that I’m a great dancer.

Now admittedly, some days the coffee is questionable; the food is overcooked; and I make numerous mistakes dancing. But her expressed gratitude for these behaviours only makes me want to do them more consistently; and become more proficient at them.

So, with those you live with, play with, and work with, take a tip from the psychologist: when you see a behaviour you want repeated and strengthened, reinforce it with gratitude.