If you’ve been in a relationship past a certain amount of time, it can be easy to get complacent in how you communicate to your partner the love you have for them. Even if you constantly tell them “I love you,” it may feel like it falls on deaf ears, and you may start looking for other ways to display your feelings. Below, I share some ways that I have found that make my boyfriend feel loved and re-enforce my words of affirmation.
- Write Letters
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In between studying, usually during a much-needed coffee break, I’ll grab a pen and have a conversation with my boyfriend on paper. Writing your feelings down can help you reflect on what exactly you want to say and allow you to reveal your true feelings.
Bonus! Spray your letter with your signature scent, and turn it into an origami heart.
Learn here: https://www.wikihow.com/Make-an-Origami-Heart
- Give Thoughtful Compliments
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Hearing “you look great” feels nice, but how much nicer would it feel to hear “I love how your eyes look when you smile,” or “your laugh brightens my day?” Verbalizing specific characteristics that you adore on a person can truly make them feel special and help them know that you love their individuality.
- Explore their Interests
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Did they send you that song from that band that has been playing in their car non-stop? Listen to it! Taking the time to understand and appreciate their interests shows that you value them as a person. You don’t need to be an expert in all their interests, plus your partner will probably be thrilled to answer any questions you have, because who doesn’t love sharing their passions with a captive audience?
- Be Honest
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Honesty is truly the best policy. Be honest with how you’re feeling and what you are thinking. If you don’t feel like doing something or are feeling uncomfortable, don’t lie. Your partner, in the long run, is more likely to appreciate your honesty than be confused and upset about lies that you told them. Being honest with one another helps foster trust in a relationship and creates a place where love can grow.
- Keep in Contact
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Keeping in contact can be as simple as sending a “Goodmorning” text or scheduling a ten-minute facetime session at the end of the day. Touching base with your partner, whether that be hourly, daily or weekly, subconsciously lets them know that you care about their wellbeing.
All five ways listed cost little to no money, provide for optional face-to-face contact, and require only time. In 2020, this is essential since we are currently looking for creative ways to remind our loved ones of our fondness for them from a healthy distance
Love comes easy, but truly loving another person in a relationship takes time and effort. Although when you have found that person that, even in their darkest times, you would do anything to make them smile, that time and effort come just as easy as love.