It sounds like a simple thing, but it’s amazing how many couples forget to show their love for one another.
Saying “I love you” regularly is great, but this alone is not enough, you need to actually show how much you care with thoughtful gestures, intimate moments and meaningful actions.
Here are my top five tips to show your partner that you love them (most of which can also be applied to other relationships with loved ones):
1. Greetings & farewells
Establishing routines around hellos and goodbyes are a simple yet important way to keep the connection with your partner strong. No matter how busy you are, take the time to kiss when leaving and arriving home. It can say more than a thousand words and create a sense of intimacy and reassurance that your partner is top of the list.
2. Bedtime routines
Research shows that when a couple first get together they go to bed at the same time, but the longer the relationship goes on the more likely it is they’ll change their behaviour and start going to bed at different times. Snuggling up in bed with your partner, cuddling and settling down to sleep together can help maintain that feeling of ‘togetherness’ that can so easily fade as the daily routine takes over, and it’s also a great way to ensure intimacy doesn’t fall to the wayside. And if you can’t manage to go to bed at the same time each night, then make sure whoever goes to bed first has a goodnight kiss and a cuddle to help maintain the connection.
3. Texts and notes
It doesn’t take much to send a quick text, even a little emoji during the day, to let your partner know you’re thinking about them. Similarly, leaving a note if you’re coming home late or working away can make such a difference and help your partner feel loved and secure even when you are apart.
4. Mindful manners
It’s all too easy to take your partner for granted, especially if you have been together for a long time, but taking the time to thank them for even the little things they have done or to ask them to do something nicely by saying ‘please’ can go a long way to maintaining a sense of respect for each other and acknowledgement that you appreciate the things they do.
5. Support & encouragement
Encouraging your partner with their dreams and goals, and being there for them at times when they might need your help or support is very important for couples. Showing your understanding and ‘being in their corner’ helps you stay connected and united as a team, even if it’s a really simple gesture such as cooking them a special dinner when they get that promotion they’ve always wanted, or encouraging them to talk if there’s something troubling them.
Just remember, it doesn’t have to be a big act to show how much you care for your partner. It’s all the little things that really count and the best part is they often don’t cost a thing.
For more tips, daily quotes and information about love, dating, relationships and happiness visit my Facebook page Melissa Ferrari - Psychotherapist & Relationship Expert. Also available is information about couple therapy and how it can help your relationships.