When my husband and I are old and gray, I want him to think back and feel warm and gooey remembering the support he felt radiating from me. I want him to know I believed in him, I want him to feel I pushed him to be better, and I want him to know he had every reasonable opportunity to pursue his dreams and passions. And I want to feel the same way about him.

Support is such a beautiful thing. What can you accomplish when you feel supported? For me, it can be as simple as taking a break from life to get a (guilt-free) manicure or as impactful as writing this blog. Like anything, actions speak louder than words. Merely saying “I want you to have your dream job” is a lot different than packing up and (for example, ahem) moving for said dream job. Would you move across the country for your spouse? Would you leave your family? Would you live in a place you despise? Would you accept a pay cut? Would you sacrifice your own happiness for theirs?

Is sacrifice the only method of showing true support?

No, of course not! There are many ways we can all support (and be supported by) our significant others without uprooting entire lives. Here are six small yet significant ways Nate and I incorporate support into our everyday marriage:

1. Believe in each other more than you believe yourself.

2. Motivate each other to establish goals and aim high. And don’t let them give up.

3. Participate in decision making together.

4. Think of the big picture rather than focusing on this week, this month, or even this year.

5. Say thank you. Show gratitude.

6. Encourage participation in hobbies and meaningful activities. (I must say this one is much more difficult for us to carry out after having a baby!)

What about you guys? How do you show your significant other you support them?