Offer your partner a back massage if they’ve had a stressful day. Sit close to your partner and put an arm around them while you watch TV together. Cuddle for a little while in the morning before you get up and start your day. You can also show physical affection to friends and family. Place your hand on their shoulder or squeeze their hand to show them you care. Offer a warm hug in greeting or when you say goodbye. Showing affection also has physical benefits. It lowers your stress levels and releases hormones that increase your feelings of happiness! You’ll have a healthier, more rewarding relationship as a result.
Make a list of reasons why you love them and share it with them. Practice saying “I love you” each time you see them. Post a photo of them on social media and leave a heartfelt note in the caption. Flirt with them. Flirting isn’t just for new relationships; even married couples can keep things fun and lighthearted with flirty banter.
“Happy Tuesday, my love! Just can’t stop thinking about you. 😍” “I saw this video and thought of you. Let me know what you think! ❤️” Include plenty of amusing GIFs and emojis, too!
Make a date more romantic by trying out one of their favorite activities with them. Cook dinner with your partner and enjoy a quiet, intimate night at home. Pick one day of the week to watch a favorite show together regularly. Make time for friends and family, too! Enjoy a night out every week, or go on an adventure and do something neither of you has ever done.
Handmake a gift. Knit them a scarf, make a photo album, or bake their favorite dessert. Buy them something special they’ve been eyeing for a while. Make a curated playlist and share it with them. Don’t underestimate the gift of time. Time is precious, especially when life gets busy, but they’ll appreciate the effort if you see them in their moment of need.
Go out of your way to give them a ride to work or pick them up from an appointment. Pack their lunch in the morning before they go to work, or bring them lunch and eat together. Ask your partner outright how you can be more helpful to them. Do the dishes for them without being asked for help.
Surprise them with a fancy dinner at their favorite restaurant. Send flowers to them on a completely random day, just because you can. Whisk them away on a romantic spur-of-the-moment weekend adventure. Buy them a present they’ve wanted for a while.
Pick up their favorite snack if you see it while browsing in the store. Let them pick the music you listen to in the car. Make breakfast in bed and spend the morning lounging together. Leave a sweet handwritten note on their pillow telling them how special they are.
Celebrate their successes. Take them out and show them some love if they get a promotion or finally finish a project they’ve been struggling with for a while. While advice is sometimes welcome, it’s best to ask the other person if they want any advice before giving it. Sometimes, all a person wants is to vent their feelings to a sympathetic ear.
Follow up with them after they give you advice. You’re not obligated to take the advice, but you can let them know what happened if you did and thank them for helping regardless.
To practice gratitude, pick one small thing you’re grateful for daily. “Thank you for making dinner tonight. It was delicious!” “I really appreciate you talking me through my family problems. How do you always know exactly what I need to hear?” “I want you to know that everything you do for me is appreciated. You’re incredible, and I love you. "
Compliment their fantastic fashion sense when you see them wearing their favorite outfit or their brilliant sense of humor when they crack a joke. Embrace vulnerability. You can only fully connect with a loved one if you allow yourself to be vulnerable and reveal your deepest thoughts and feelings. Tell your partner (and other loved ones) when you miss them, and greet them enthusiastically when you see them for the first time in a while. Make time to connect and talk with your partner every day. For example, if your partner is struggling with their personal life or work, kind words will let them know that you support them.
“I remember work was really stressing you out last week. How’s everything going this week? Did it get any better?” “How’s that writing project coming along? You’ve been working on it all year, right? That’s so impressive!” “Hey, how was that concert you went to last weekend? I saw your photos—it looked like a blast!”
Sometimes, checking your phone (even while talking to a significant other) is second nature. Make an effort to put down your phone when you start talking with them and don’t check it until the conversation is over. As they talk, don’t spend that time planning what you’ll say next. Listen to them, and make little sounds like “Mmhm” or “Go on” to let them know you’re listening. Listening to someone might not strike you as obviously affectionate, but it’s actually one of the most caring things you can do for someone! Active listening tells the other person that you value their thoughts and feelings.
Words of affirmation. Use compliments, encouragement, expressions of love, and positive words to show your love. Acts of service. Do little things for people without being asked and offer help with chores, errands, and other tasks. Giving and receiving gifts. You feel most loved when you get a thoughtful present and show others you care by giving gifts in return. Quality time. Show love by setting aside one-on-one time with someone, going on dates, doing fun activities, and engaging in meaningful conversation with them. Physical touch. Show affection through hugs, kisses, cuddling, and being close together.
