We all strive to be in relationships where we feel validated, right? But honestly, we love differently (both giving and receiving). And sometimes it’s hard to know how to make your partner feel appreciated. Whether you’ve been in a relationship for months, years, or just met your significant other on one of the best dating sites, it’s essential to keep the embers of your love burning by learning how to make your partner feel valued and loved.
When thinking of different ways to make your partner feel appreciated, your first thought may be to plan an expensive holiday or buy unique gifts. However, spending bucketloads of cash is not the only way to connect. You can express your love and affection with small gestures.
The most important thing is that you make your partner feel appreciated consistently (and in ways that he/she connects with and values).
1. Start By Asking Your Partner What He/She Needs
The first step in strengthening your relationship is to use communication.
Doing this will help you understand better whether their needs are being met and what you can do to fix or remedy a potentially painful situation. If your significant other says he/she doesn’t feel valued, then asking these questions is a great way to connect deeper and make necessary changes.
2. Consider Your Partner’s Love Language
One of the easiest ways to identify how you can support your partner (in the way he/she needs) is to focus on love language.
We all have different love languages. They are acts of service, giving gifts, physical touch, words of affirmation, and spending quality time. If you want to make your partner feel appreciated, you should consider their love language rather than demonstrating you love them in a way you understand.
Think about the things your partner does to make you feel loved. Do they hit the mark or miss the landing? If they hit the mark, it’s because they know your love language. Your sweet love may not appreciate acts of service if their love language is words of affirmation.
3. Do Regular Check-Ins
Sometimes, couples are overtaken by life events and forget to check in with their partners. During this time of social distancing, couples spend more time together and don’t consider that discussing their different needs is essential for a happy, healthy relationship.
To make your partner feel loved, consider asking him/her what is needed or preferred. If you’ve been accompanying them for an early morning walk, maybe they’ll appreciate being by themselves. Once a couple is clear about their need for space, they are more likely to live harmoniously. If you’ve had prior arrangements that gave each of you the space you needed, now might be the time to ask if the arrangement still works.
4. Listen To Them When They’re Speaking
Listening (FULLY listening) shows that you are committed to making the relationship work. One way you can make your partner feel appreciated is by remaining engaged while they speak to you. In this case, it’s not only your eyes that should be engaged but your body language, too. Ensure that your whole body is turned to them and focus on them entirely. You should acknowledge what they’re saying by responding thoughtfully and nodding when you agree. This shows that you value what they are saying to you.
5. Consider Giving A Special Gift Or Service
You don’t have to give expensive gifts to make your partner feel loved. Thoughtful gifts such as their favorite drink, food, or a shirt in their favorite color will go a long way. If the gift you give them will remind them of happy memories, more points to you.
6. Make A Special Effort
It’s easy for couples to forget about each other’s needs. While dressing in a t-shirt and sweatpants is one of the most comfortable ways to live, you can show appreciation for your partner by dressing up or putting more effort into time spent together. For example, dress up for dinner (even if you don’t have anywhere to go!) or ask them to dress up to set the mood.
Bottom line — relationships require work to last, and learning how to make your partner feel appreciated is one thing you must do to have a balanced relationship.
How do you show love to your partner? Share in the comments below!
Featured Image Credit: Amina Filkins