As a culture, we’re obsessed with grand romantic gestures: think of the surprise trip to Paris, or the expensive new bag.

But love doesn’t work mathematically: you won’t put 10 times the spark into a dull relationship with a gift that’s 10 times bigger. In fact, small signs of appreciation are far better predictors of a successful marriage.

Researcher Angela Hicks found that couples who took a moment to discuss the high points of each other’s days reported more happiness and feelings of intimacy.

Physical touch and eye contact – however brief – work wonders, too. Resolve to take a moment, daily, to connect with your partner and talk about the best parts of the day: it will not only be cheaper than a Parisian city-break, but more effective, too.

More inspiration:

Read Make one change happen by Vanessa Anstee on LifeLabs

Photograph: plainpicture/Maskot