Many of you probably know that the title comes from some of the lyrics to the song “Celebration,“ from Kool & The Gang, released in 1980.

When most of us married, we assumed that we were beginning a partnership with the person who would become our biggest and loudest cheerleader.  However, over the years, we may have found that this is not always the case.  You see when our spouse shares some great news with us, we have a choice about how we react.  We can respond passively, constructively, or destructively.

Say, for example, your mate receives a promotion at work.  Ideally you would want to respond constructively with something like, “Wow!  I know you have worked hard to achieve this.  Let’s celebrate!”  The most negatively reaction would be, “So, do you think you can really handle a job with much responsibility,” which is very damaging to the relationship.  And, of course, there is the passive unenthusiastic response, “That’s nice dear.  Did you remember to get milk at the grocery store?”

If you want to increase your connection and intimacy with your spouse, as well as create a marriage that will flourish through the years, I encourage you today to look for opportunities to celebrate the good times with your mate!  Let them know “There’s a party goin on right here.”