The Voice of Innkeeping Issue 2 Vol. 1 March 2016 | Page 31

Practice What You Preach

Are you too busy creating romantic packages for your guests at the expense of your own love life? Regularly scheduled date nights sans inn-talk are a must. Living at an inn with people around doesn't provide the privacy necessary to nurture intimacy. If you haven't yet created a private romantic space just for the two of you, go to someone else's inn and spend an occasional evening there. Order the double massage, the chocolate covered strawberries, the roses, the wine. Remember, your spouse needs romance too. Do what you know will surprise and delight your partner.

Know Thyself

You are responsible for your own self-care. Recognize when you've pushed yourself to exhaustion and don't expect your partner to read your mind. Create some space of your own. Do whatever it takes to take care of you. Have a massage, take a hot bath in one of your fancy Jacuzzi's, go for a run, practice yoga. Do something that feeds your soul and leaves you feeling refreshed. Deep six the habit of expecting your partner to fulfill every one of your needs. Learn to fill your own plate and bring that full and rich tableau to the party that is your marriage and your partnership and watch your business thrive.

A New Language

Discover your love language and your partner's love language. The Five Love Languages by Gay Hendrix is a great resource. Once you've unearthed these important nuggets, use them! If you know your partner's love language is 'words of affirmation', be sure to express appreciation for that incredible omelet or amazing flapper replacement. If your partner's love language is 'acts of service', a foot rub, car wash or special dinner could be the cat's pajamas. Shake it up on occasion... a surprise trip to Paris, even if it's Paris, Virginia, might be in order to keep the relationship infused with fun and joy.

Take care of the little things and big things will take care of themselves. Maintain an attitude of gratitude for everything your partner adds to the business. And do the same for yourself while you're at it. Your guests will enjoy being around a happy couple and, believe me, your staff will thank you too.