Mix up how you say “I love you,” though: for example, ruffle his hair, kiss his cheek, and exclaim, “I’d do anything for you! It’s unreal how much I adore you. "
If he’s not feeling confident, list all of the things that make him great, and all of the reasons that he’ll succeed. If he has a big event coming up, leave him a sweet note to wish him luck. Push him to do something out of his comfort zone. If he wants to train for a marathon but isn’t sure that he can do it, you can tell him that he can accomplish anything if he really puts his mind to it.
Avoid arguing or raising your voice. Instead, calmly state your perspective and any ways you’ve been impacted by a situation. For example, say, “I’ve been feeling really lonely lately. Can we spend more weekends together, babe?"[3] X Research source Be a good listener. A healthy relationship’s all about reciprocity, so take the time to slow down and understand your boyfriend’s perspective instead of interrupting and focusing on your own feelings. Pick the right time and place. If you have something important to discuss, wait for the right moment when you both have an opportunity to sit down and have a serious talk.
Before a big decision, sit down with your man and write down all of the pros and cons of your two plans. Discuss which plan is best overall, and which will make you both as happy as possible. Take turns, even on the small things. For example, if you picked the dinner location on your date, let him pick the movie.
Also be willing to accept his apologies. When he realizes you don’t hold grudges, it’ll give him a ton of relief and faith in your amazing level of compassion.
“Just wanted to let you know I love you more and more every day! 😊” “I still have the hugest crush on you. 🥺 I feel so lucky to be dating you. ” “Hey, you! I know you’ll knock it out of the park and make today amazing. ☀️”
This applies to texts, too, lovely: if he reaches out, then carefully read his message and respond thoughtfully. Those few extra minutes that you take can make a huge difference in his day. It can be a really vulnerable feeling for a guy—or anyone!—to open up about their ambitions, so make sure to give him lots of encouragement. For example, if he says he wants to get his pilot’s license, tell him to reach for the skies because it’s totally possible.
If he’s having a busy day at work, bring him a really nice lunch. It’ll add a little more joy to his shift. Do small chores around the house, like his laundry, especially during those times when he seems really exhausted. Cook him a nice big dinner when he’s having a long and stressful day. All he’ll have to do is enjoy it and do the dishes afterward (unless you’re feeling super generous and feel up to doing those, too). [9] X Research source Run small errands for him if he needs some help. If you’re already going to the mall, offer to return one of his shirts for him.
For example, make a comment like, “I notice that you’ve been really quiet since you’ve come home. Did anything happen at work? I’m here to listen. ” If he wants some time to process his thoughts, tell him you understand, give him a big hug, and let him have some space. When he’s ready to address whatever’s bugging him, be available to hear him out. Celebrate him for his authenticity and willingness to share his struggles: “I feel so grateful that you always tell me what’s on your mind. We’ll figure this all out. ”
If acts of service (like chores or errands), words of affirmation (like a pep talk before you give a big speech), or physical touch (like forehead kisses), tell him your love language so he can make it a priority to express it on the regular. To be extra persuasive, tell him why you need a specific kind of support: “I really like to snuggle and talk about my day in the evening because it helps me destress and stay upbeat. ”
Be open-minded and try to give something he loves a shot. If he raves about sushi but you’ve never tried it, go for a California roll and see if you like it. Just remember to maintain your identity, too. If there are some hobbies of his that aren’t really your cup of tea—maybe you’re not super into golf, for instance—just cheer him on and tell him you hope he has a good time.
Spending time with his buds every now and then. Show him you can let loose and be just the right amount of wild or laidback. Whether you go to a dive bar or a BBQ with them, turn on all your charisma and focus on having a blast. Breaking up his routines and taking him out on an adventure. For example, plan a camping trip. Tell him he can let his friends tag along, too. Get active with him. Tap into your zany inner child and hit up a laser tag joint or throw down a fun challenge and go rock climbing.
Keep up a friendly attitude and welcome anyone who comes into their life. As long as everyone upholds the golden rule to treat others the same way they’d want to be, everything should be just fine. Stay off his phone and his social media to prove that you trust your guy 100%.
Take the time to get to know them and ask them about their lives. Show that you see them as individuals, not just as people who are associated with your boyfriend. Be understanding if there are some hang-outs that don’t really involve SOs. Appreciate that all his friends might want to kick back together and keep the vibe chill. If you give your boyfriend the space to catch up with his buddies on his own, he’ll appreciate he gets to have the best of both worlds: a great social circle and an awesome partner.
Give him a chance to express what he’s into. He might actually like rom-coms—who knows? And if he doesn’t? Tell him that’s cool with you and you’ll go with your buddies. Go at a pace that’s comfortable for him. For example, if he wants to wait a few months until he meets your parents, reassure him that that’s totally fine. Show different sides of yourself and your interests to keep things fresh and engaging. For example, if he’s used to you going to book clubs, casually mention you’re into roller derby competitions, too.
Make an effort to smile more. It will perk both you and your man up. Be goofy and show off your sense of humor. It really livens things up if you and your boyfriend can spend hours laughing together. Make a rule of thumb: for every complaint you have, mention at least 5 things you’re excited about. Your infectious optimism lets your man know that you’ll always have a great time together.
Try hiking, mountain climbing, or just exploring nature together. If your guy doesn’t like hiking, find an outdoorsy activity where he can show off his skills, like camping or biking. Try exotic foods together. Pick a restaurant that serves the cuisine of a country you’ve never even heard of, and indulge in the taste of unique cuisines together. Go on a getaway. This could mean taking a vacation to a fun and crazy spot, or just going in your car and driving for a couple of hours to check out a waterfall or a weird haunted house. You can even close your eyes and point to a map, and go wherever your finger falls. It’s all about the journey here.
If you both dress up, you’ll feel like the moment is even more special. There’s no need to be mushy during your “date night” if that’s not how you two like to enjoy yourselves. Just express yourselves in a natural way, whether that means flirting up a storm or getting swept away with thought-provoking talks.
Make sure both of you get your needs met. For example, if you like to chat but your boyfriend enjoys some quiet downtime, strike a balance by watching a movie together. You both get lost in the flick, then discuss all its plot points later.
In fact, studies show that kisses and hugs literally have “healing energy”—they can lower your blood pressure and boost your immune system. So, pucker up and cozy up, you two love birds![21] X Research source
Make love in new positions and new places. The bed isn’t the only place where you can get frisky. If you’re in the mood, get wild on your couch, on your floor, or even in a secluded location. This will make the process feel juicier and “taboo. ” He’ll definitely see how committed you are to keeping the fire alive. Try out some sexy alter-egos. Put on cute little outfits and switch up your seduction style—be take-charge and assertive sometimes, then be a little cheeky and coy. Appeal to the 5 senses for a magical evening—turn on some romantic music, put on your signature scent, serve up some champagne, and softly caress your lover.
