I’ve never been a big fan of the word. For one thing, it doesn’t exactly flow off the tongue. And for some reason, it conjures up images of a sheltered, maybe privileged life. The over-used lingo of clinicians and coddled yuppies.
But then I look at the plant I received after a visit to the eye doctor and realize that it needs watering. Again.
Synonyms include tend, foster, cultivate, encourage, develop, strengthen, boost.
Who couldn’t use a helping of these things from time to time?