You know that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but there’s something else you should be doing to start each day right: spending quality time with your partner. Making a point to connect every morning will make a difference in your busy day. Even if your hectic schedules are more “pass in the hall” than “pass the croissant,” there are still a few a.m. rituals you can share.

--Morning wake up: This works best if one of you is a naturally early riser - or just prefers to get into the bathroom first. Otherwise, take turns as the designated human alarm clock. This can be tough if the other person isn’t a morning person and tends to wake up a Mr. or Mrs. Grumpy-pants. But your gentle nudge and warm, dulcet tones should be preferable to the loud buzzer or radio DJ. And if they ask nicely, they might even get a few extra minutes to snooze. But if they roll over and refuse to get up, all bets are off.

--It’s the small things that count: “Did you take your vitamins?” We all heard that enough times as we were running off to school without taking our Flintstones. Now that we’re adults, Mom and Dad aren’t there to remind us, so it’s a good thing you and your honey can share the burden. The first one in the kitchen should take their own Cs, Es, and multiples and then leave out their partner’s little pills (in a shot glass works fine for us), along with the water left in your glass to drink them down. Your mate will appreciate the small gesture and (bonus!) you’ll both live longer, healthier lives.

--IM-ing Old School: If you’re out the door before sunrise and your partner always sleeps in, it’s even more important to make some time to connect in the morning. Leave a little note somewhere where he’ll see it. Something simple like “I love you” or “Miss you” is fine. Just enough to make him miss you. In can be in the same place every day, like on the bathroom mirror, or surprise him with a new location every day. Then maybe he’ll surprise you with a sexy note left out the night before (hopefully not reminding you to take your vitamins).

--Kiss off: There’s no better way to start the day than a morning quickie, but that might be tough to make a daily ritual. (It will definitely make it tough to leave the house on time!) Compromise and create a special kiss to share first thing each and every day. A double or triple kiss is a proven winner, but we think the more sensual the better. Don’t blame us if you’re late for work.

Looking for more tips on early-bird romance? Check out 1001 Ways to Be Romantic by Gregory J. P. Godek.