Sometimes our lives get busy and it's easy to ignore the fact that our partner needs to feel as wanted, valued and loved as we do. Family responsibilities increase, deadlines loom, household chores seem never-ending, and there just doesn't seem to be enough hours in the day to do everything else that needs to be done, never mind make time for your partner.



What you need to remember however is that it doesn't have to take a great deal of your time to touch base and make sure that your partner knows that you love them - even though you're doing all of this other stuff - and that you're thinking of them and care about how their day is.

In just 5 minutes every day you can create a feeling of love and worth for your partner so that they don't start to feel resentful of the other things in your life, and begin to wonder if you'd miss them if they were gone!

Try a few of the following and see if it makes a difference in your life:

1. Spend a few moments before you both get up in a morning to talk about your hopes for the day. Ask your partner about theirs. It doesn't take long to ask "What are you planning for today?" or to hear their response.

2. Before you go to bed, ask your partner how the day went, and if they'd achieved what they hoped - again this doesn't take long but the trick isn't in the time it takes, but rather in your ability to have listened in the morning so that you remember what it was they'd planned for the day and can ask a specific question that shows your partner that you were listening.

3. At some point during the day, phone them, send an email, or SMS that simply says something like 'Thinking about you!" This will take seconds and will show your partner you care enough about them to stop what you're doing and think about doing something for them.

4. Write a little love note and pop it into their jacket pocket or wallet so that they find it next time they're in there. It might not be every day they'll find it, but it'll be a surprise when they do.

5. Run your partner a bath. While it's running, you can get on and do other things, but keep an eye on the water so that you can let your partner know it's ready when it's finished filling. You could even offer to wash their back once they're in!

6. Pick up a bunch of flowers, or a magazine you'll think they'll like when you're at the grocery store - you're there anyway so it's no extra time but the thought will be appreciated.

There are many little things you can do that take up very little time but that show your partner that despite your busy lifestyle, you can always find time for them. Use the suggestions above as a starting block for what will fit into your relationship best.