Sandwich Generation: Resolve to Be Present

As Sandwiched Booomers caring for a family in flux, are there times when you're preoccupied and distracted? And you and your love relationship take a back seat? You may even accept it as the new normal, but it doesn't have to be this way. The following tips can help energize you and your partner:

Express your gratitude often. Remembering to thank your spouse may sound simple but it helps bring to mind their good qualities. Compliments can serve as a positive reinforcement at times when you may be taking each other for granted.

Stay connected. A gentle touch or a quick hug can release oxytocin, a hormone that facilitates bonding as well as reduces blood pressure and stress levels. When you're feeling tense, an affectionate moment can help you feel closer, loved and more relaxed.

Pay attention to you. Investing in your own happiness will take the pressure off the relationship as the main source of your wellbeing. Take positive action in your own life. You'll have a better attitude, be more interesting to your partner, and your relationship will reap the dividends.

If you want more ideas about how to strengthen your relationship, click on the title above. And log on tomorrow and Friday for our monthly Virtual Book Tour - we'll be featuring Susan Shaffer and Linda Gordon and their book about mother/daughter relationships, "Too Close for Comfort." On Saturday we'll finish up this series of posts on love relationship resolutions.