Natasha Combrink
We all have meh days. Even when we’re in the most perfect relationship.
Sometimes, it just feels like no one likes you. And that no matter what you do, you’re not appreciated.
Other times, you might be pouring everything in. But it still feels like your partner is oblivious.
If you want to ensure your partner never feels this way, wooing them with simple gestures to show how much you truly love and appreciate them can do the trick.
After all, it’s the little things that make a difference, right?
Want to level up your game? Well, the first thing you need to do is…
1) Learn their love language.
Understanding your partner’s love language is oh-so valuable. Almost nothing beats this!
If all else fails, you should always return to the basics of what makes them feel loved…
And their love language will be your manual.
No, it’s not some mysterious code.
Love languages are the unique ways we all give and receive love.
Some people like genuine compliments, while others prefer undivided attention. Your partner might want you to always hold their hand in public or help make dinner every night.
Whatever it is, paying attention to what makes your partner feel loved will help you make them feel safe.
It’s like speaking directly to their heart.
If you’re unsure what your partner’s love language is, plan a date night, let them tell you, and…
2) Listen with intent.
If you genuinely listen to what your partner needs, you’ll never have to guess it.
I’m not talking about the nod-your-head-and-wait-for-your-turn kind of listening.
No.
This is the full-on, eyes-locked, put-away-your-phone, I’m-really-interested-in-what-you-have-to-say type.
And it isn’t just about getting to know their needs.
Listening with intent is already enough to make some people feel more appreciated.
Be all in when your partner is sharing their day or pouring out their thoughts.
No multitasking, no distracted half-smiles.
Dive into the conversation with them. Create a space where they feel heard and understood. And make it your goal to be the best sounding board they’ve ever had.
3) Remember special days.
Birthdays, anniversaries, the day you met – these aren’t just dates. They’re special.
Even if you’re not the type who makes a big deal out of it.
And I get it: life can be a whirlwind of busy schedules and endless to-do lists.
But remembering these days will show your partner that their existence and those specific memories you’ve shared matter.
Just mentioning it can make all the difference.
Seriously.
Get a reminder app, set alarms, or tie a string around your finger if you must.
Just make it a mission to remember.
And if you’re into romantic gestures, don’t wait for special dates. Your partner will feel way more appreciated if you…
4) Plan surprise date nights!
Nothing keeps the romance alive like a spontaneous date night.
It’s okay to only have them on special occasions, but it kinda takes a little bit of the spark out of it.
Picture this:
On a random Wednesday evening, you hit your partner up with the “Get ready, I’m taking you somewhere!”
The rush they’ll get from those words alone will put a massive smile on their face.
You don’t even need an elaborate plan every time. A picnic under the stars, a quirky local event, or simply having ice cream in the car parked where you first met can keep the flame burning.
The magic is in the unexpected.
The unplanned.
The “I didn’t see that coming, but it’s amazing!”
It’s about showing your partner you’re still in love with them enough to make new memories.
You can also do this with…
5) Random acts of kindness.
Ever feel the need to sprinkle a little bit of extra love in your partner’s day? Something unexpected that isn’t a date night or tickets to their favorite band?
That’s what random acts of kindness are for!
Most people only think about these with strangers in mind. Your partner will appreciate them just as much, if not more.
It’s about turning an ordinary moment in your partner’s life into a special memory.
And the best part? You choose your pick!
There’s so much you can do…
Here are some suggestions:
- Surprise your partner with breakfast in bed.
- Leave a little love note in their jacket pocket.
- Grab their favorite snack on your way home.
- Take care of a chore they usually handle.
What you do doesn’t have to be extravagant. It’s about spontaneity and thoughtfulness.
Like saying, “Hey, I’m tuned into your happiness, and here to make your day a little better.”
Sometimes, it really is the little things that make the biggest impact.
6) Express gratitude.
Like you, your partner is probably doing things to show you how much they love and appreciate you.
And let’s be real – knowing that your partner actually appreciates what you do for them makes you feel good.
So, make it a habit to say thanks for the little (and big) things.
Did they make you laugh with a corny joke when you were having a bad day?
Did they bring you more coffee when you struggled to get out of bed?
Did they massage your feet to help you relax more while you were already chilling on the couch with your favorite series?
Say, thank you.
If you can be specific, even better!
Dive into details. Let your partner know why you appreciate what they did or how it made you feel.
And remember: gratitude isn’t just a word. It’s a vibe.
Don’t say something just for the sake of saying it.
7) Spend quality time together.
In the hustle and bustle of life, spending quality time together is like hitting pause on the world and creating a special bubble of your own.
I’m not just talking about being in the same space.
It’s about being present. Truly present.
Dedicate time to your partner. Put your phone away.
Whether you have a cozy night in, take a spontaneous road trip, or quietly stroll in the park…
It’s about doing something where it’s just the two of you. No distractions.
In this age of constant distractions, choosing to spend quality time together is like saying, “Hey, you matter. And I choose you in this moment.”
8) Cook together.
We all have to eat, right?
So, why not lighten your partner’s load and help them cook…
Imagine this:
You’re both in the kitchen, filled with tantalizing aroma and laughter. A bottle of wine is half finished on the counter, and you’re holding your partner from behind while they stir the sauce over a steamy stovetop.
You can fill in the rest…
You see, it doesn’t matter whether you’re a seasoned chef or just there for moral support and conversation – the shared experience is what counts.
And your partner will appreciate this gesture – especially if they’re the ones usually doing all the meal prep.
Cooking together is about more than food. It gives you a moment to talk about your day, joke around, or dance to a stupid love song.
And you know what else you can do?
When you’re done making a mess, you can…
9) Clean together.
The kitchen always gets messy. Even if you’re just making a sandwich.
And chores? Well, they’re not exactly the most glamorous part of our days.
If your partner is the one who mainly does all the cleaning, getting some help will make them feel loved.
I promise.
Cleaning is also a great thing to bond over.
You can learn a lot about someone from the way they clean.
My partner does it entirely differently than I do.
It might sound silly, but he refuses to wash dishes with a cloth. I hate sponges.
He also thinks throwing a bucket of water on the floor and then mopping it dry is the best way to do the job. So messy! I could never.
Sharing responsibilities lightens the load and shows that you’re a team – even if you disagree on how things should be done.
And you know what? When one partner isn’t feeling exhausted from doing all the chores while the other is well-rested, there’s less conflict.
You’ll also get more done in less time when you help your partner. Which leaves room for doing other things you enjoy.
10) Random text messages.
Spontaneous messages can be the tiny spark that keeps a fire burning. Just think about it…
A simple “thinking of you” or a steamy emoji can put a huge smile on your partner’s face when they least expect it.
And it’ll be a great reminder that you love them and think about them when you’re not together.
It’s also a way to just be a part of each other’s day when you’re apart.
Send a funny meme.
Or take a photo of whatever’s in front of you.
The key here is being random – with what you send and when you send it.
And if that’s already something you do on the daily, go for something more meaningful.
Unexpectedly telling your partner how much you love and appreciate them might be exactly what they need to hear.
Just don’t wait for a fight or do it in a “I feel guilty about something” kinda way. That could cause more problems.
The same is true for any of the other gestures. You should do nice things for your partner every day.
And believe me, if you do, your relationship will strengthen beyond what you ever thought possible.
Everyone likes knowing that they’re loved and appreciated. Even if they pretend to be hardcore and neverminded.
