Isabella Chase
Ever caught your partner giving you that loving look when they thought you weren’t watching?
You felt loved, didn’t you?
But the question is, how can you be sure they genuinely value your presence in their life?
This article is here to help.
We’re not talking about grand gestures or poetic words of love.
No, we’re focusing on those small, almost invisible signs that shout ‘I appreciate you’.
So, get ready. By the time you finish this piece, you’ll be able to spot these signs and see if your relationship is as cherished as it should be.
Ready to dive in? Let’s go!
1) They listen to you
Listening is an art, and not everyone masters it.
But when your partner is genuinely interested in what you have to say, they’ll make it a point to really listen. We’re not talking about nodding along to what you’re saying while their mind is somewhere else.
No, we mean truly listening – when they remember the minor details of a story you told them weeks ago, or when they ask follow-up questions about your day.
This type of active listening shows that they genuinely value your thoughts and experiences.
2) They make time for you
In our busy lives, time is one of the most precious things we have. If your partner constantly makes time for you, it’s a clear sign that they genuinely appreciate you.
We’re not necessarily talking about grand date nights or weekend getaways (though those are nice too!).
Sometimes, it’s as simple as choosing to spend a quiet evening together over going out with friends, or putting aside their phone to give you their full attention.
3) Small gestures of love
It’s the little things that often mean the most. Small acts of love and kindness can speak volumes about how much your partner appreciates you.
For instance, I remember how my partner used to leave me small notes with sweet messages hidden in my lunchbox or in the book I was reading. These small tokens made me feel cherished and valued.
If your partner frequently does small things that make your day a little brighter, it’s a sign that they genuinely appreciate having you in their life. It’s their way of saying, “I see you, I appreciate you, and I’m glad you’re here with me.”
4) They respect your space
Respecting personal space is a key aspect of any healthy relationship. Your partner showing respect for your personal space and time is a subtle sign of their appreciation for you.
Interesting fact – according to a study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, individuals who allow their partners to have their personal space are more likely to enjoy a long-lasting and satisfying relationship.
Partners who understand when you need some alone time or don’t intrude on your personal activities clearly appreciate and value you.
They understand that you are an individual first, with your own needs and interests, and they respect that.
5) They stand up for you
There’s something incredibly special about knowing that your partner has your back, no matter what. It’s a feeling of security and love that is heartwarming and reassuring.
Imagine this scenario: you’re at a social gathering and someone makes an offhand comment that bothers you. Before you even have a chance to respond, your partner steps in, taking your side and standing up for you.
In that moment, when your partner chooses to stand up for you, it’s more than just support. It’s a profound declaration of their respect and admiration for you.
6) They encourage your dreams
A partner who values you will not only support your dreams but will also actively encourage you to pursue them. They become your cheerleader, your motivation, and your safe haven all at once.
Allow me to share a personal example. When I first toyed with the idea of starting my own business, it was my partner who gave me the confidence to take the leap.
From brainstorming ideas late into the night to reassuring me when I was riddled with doubt, they were with me every step of the way.
If your partner encourages you to chase your dreams and supports you through the journey, it’s a beautiful sign that they genuinely appreciate you.
They believe in you and want to see you thrive, and that’s as clear a sign of appreciation as any.
7) They admit when they’re wrong
Let’s be real. Pride can be a tough thing to swallow.
Admitting when they’re wrong or when they’ve hurt you isn’t easy. It takes a strong person to say, “I messed up, and I’m sorry.” But that raw honesty is worth its weight in gold.
If your partner can own up to their mistakes and apologize sincerely, it means they respect you and your feelings. They’d rather face the discomfort of admitting they’re wrong than let it affect your relationship.
They value you enough to prioritize your feelings over their pride.
8) They include you in their future plans
When your partner sees you as a part of their future and includes you in their plans, it’s a clear sign that they genuinely appreciate having you in their life.
When partners make long term plans together, it significantly strengthens their relationship and increases relationship satisfaction.
So if your partner often talks about future vacations, buying a home or even growing old together, take it as a sign that they value you and see you as an integral part of their future.
9) They remember the small things
I still remember how my partner surprised me with my favorite childhood candy on a random day. I had mentioned in passing how much I loved it and was unable to find it anywhere.
The fact that they remembered and made the effort to find it showed me just how much they appreciated me.
If your partner remembers small details or preferences you’ve shared, take it as a sign of their genuine appreciation.
It shows that they’re truly listening and care about what makes you happy.
10) They’re not afraid to be vulnerable with you
Let’s face it, showing vulnerability isn’t easy. It requires a lot of trust and courage. If your partner opens up to you about their fears, dreams, or past, it’s a raw and honest sign of their appreciation.
They’re essentially saying, “I trust you with the deepest parts of me.” They value your presence and feel safe enough to let their guard down around you.
That level of trust and intimacy speaks volumes about their appreciation for you.
11) They ask for your opinion
Does your partner frequently ask for your opinion or advice?
Whether it’s something as simple as choosing a movie to watch or as significant as making a career decision, when they value your perspective, it shows that they respect you and appreciate your input.
So there you have it – genuine appreciation isn’t always about grand gestures or romantic words.
Sometimes, it’s the subtle signs, the small moments of honesty and vulnerability, that truly show how much your partner values having you in their life.
