If the idea of “writing your love story” feels big, intimidating, or like something you’ll get to “someday”… then I have the perfect tiny step for you.

Really tiny.

So tiny you could start it tonight, even if you’re tired and the laundry’s still humming in the dryer.

Ready?

Start a “We Remember” List.

That’s it.
Not a chapter, not a journal entry, not a masterpiece.
Just a list.

It’s exactly what it sounds like:
a simple running list of tiny, meaningful moments from your relationship.

Moments that matter.
Moments you’d forget unless you protected them.
Moments that make you smile when you say them out loud.

And they don’t have to be big.

To give you an idea, here are a few from my own “We Remember” file:

• “We remember the night we sprinted to the laser show.”
  (Complete with my lost shoe.)
• “We remember the donut delivery.”
  A way to make sure he saw what he thought he saw? Maybe.
• “We remember the long-distance letters.”
  The notes, the cards, the “Distance doesn’t matter…” message I saved to this day.

These aren’t full stories.
They’re seeds.
Seeds that can grow into full stories later, when you’re ready.

You can do this:

• On your phone
• In a shared notebook
• On a notes app
• On sticky notes on the fridge
• In a jar you drop memories into

Just pick a spot and title it “We Remember”.

And then add your very first line.

One tiny memory.
One moment that still glows.

That’s it.

One line per week.

One small moment that says, “This is part of our story.”

At the end of the year, you’ll have 52 seeds ready to grow into your written love story.

Some will be romantic.
Some will be funny.
Some will be those quiet little moments you’d almost forgotten.

All of them will be yours.

Because the little things are what build the big story.
Because your love story deserves to be remembered while you’re still living it.
Because nostalgia is one of the kindest gifts you can give your relationship — especially in the middle of stressful seasons.

And because one small line a week is manageable for any couple, no matter how busy or overwhelmed you feel.

So go ahead… start your “We Remember” List.

Your future selves will thank you. And if you ever decide to write your love story, you’ll already have the best part done — the memories collected, one sweet moment at a time.

Until next time,

Tami

But, if you need a little more convincing—keep reading.

You don’t need research articles to tell you that remembering good things feels good… but the research absolutely backs it up.

1. Nostalgia triggers belonging.

Studies show that nostalgic thinking helps people feel connected, supported, and part of a secure “we.” It actually strengthens your sense of being a united team.

2. Autobiographical memory increases intimacy.

Alea & Bluck found that sharing memories — especially early relationship ones — helps couples feel emotionally close again. Just the act of saying, “Do you remember when…?” pulls both of you back into the warmth of your beginning.

3. Nostalgic thinking increases gratitude.

Sedikides, Wildschut, and others have shown that nostalgia boosts appreciation. You feel more grateful for your partner, your story, and the little things you’ve lived through together.

So yes — your memories aren’t just sweet. They’re relationship-strengthening. And that makes a simple “We Remember” List a great practice to start as a couple.

References:

Alea, N., & Bluck, S. (2007). I’ll keep you in mind: The intimacy function of autobiographical memory. Applied Cognitive Psychology, 21(8), 1091–1111.

Sedikides, C., & Wildschut, T. (2018). Finding meaning in nostalgia. Review of General Psychology, 22(1), 48–61.