As the 6th tip suggests symbols are significant.  I am not just talking about shiny baubles. Significant symbols can come in many different shapes and sizes. The significance or meaning behind the gift is the real issue here. One of the reasons that you may not be sharing significant symbols as a couple is because you are neither looking back appreciatively nor looking forward expectantly.

Looking back appreciatively is all about living in relational gratitude.  It takes relational muscle and exertion to remind yourself regularly why you love who you love. The low points in a relationship are easy to remember, they tend to be painted in extreme colors that evoke strong negative emotions.  These low times in your relationship almost shout for our remembrance.  But the great moments, the mountaintop experiences, they can easily be lost in our minds.  It takes effort to remember what is great, honorable and true.  Symbols assist us in keeping those memories alive, vibrant and in our present consciousness.

Looking forward also requires effort.  Planning, dreaming and believing in a better future takes time and energy.  This time and energy can seem to be in short supply when we are mired down in the day to day slogging of the present.  Looking forward is a great exercise that every couple needs like a plant needs sunshine and rain.
 This week my wife and I are planning our 25th anniversary celebration.  We are searching sites and flights and are daydreaming about 2 weeks alone in the sun.  It adds energy to the present.

So take to heart the sixth tip and remember the past fondly and expect the future to be amazing.

6.  Find a new symbol of your committed love relationship.  When you get married rings are exchanged.  When anniversaries arrive there are specific gifts that are expected to  be exchanged based on which year you are celebrating.  I am not talking about replacing any of these.

Pick something new and fresh that will surprise your partner.  It may be something you know your partner has been looking forward to for months or years.  Take the initiative today and surprise your partner with that special gift and let them know it has no date or strings attached.  It simply is because you love them.