In my counseling office, where I work with both individual parents and couples, the stress of this annual transition is on full display right now. Symptoms of this partnership flu may be irritability, isolation, or full blown lack of intimacy. But there is something simple you can do to vaccinate your marriage against coming down with this illness. It’s also quick, free, and even fun to do.

Inoculate your partnership with 30 seconds a day of simple, spoken gratitude. Here's the protocol:

• Take 30 seconds to look into your partner’s eyes
• Touch in some way
• Say, "Something I love about you is…” 
• Make sure to say "Thank you” and “You’re welcome.” 
• Then switch

That’s it. That’s all it takes to remind the other person that you are still in connection, and that you value the shared life you are building – even if you don’t have time/energy for some grand dramatic gesture. This exchange builds positive energy between you both, and that positive energy has a direct impact on your ability to get through the interminable fundraiser meetings, sports practices, and other back-to-school events currently dominating your free time.