We know…we know…Valentine’s Day is soooo seven months ago! But that’s our point. When romantic holidays get far enough behind in our rear view mirror, it’s easy to let the love slip. In this article, we’ll share some ideas for keeping relationships fresh and exciting all year round.
Whether you are in the boyfriend/girlfriend stage, are engaged, or are already married, having a happy, loving relationship takes effort. Each individual in a relationship needs to both feel loved and show love to their significant other.
There are many ways to show love to your significant other; some don’t even have to take a lot of time or cost a lot of money. Here are three things to consider to help make every day like Valentine’s Day.
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1. Behavior
As we said, a happy, loving relationship takes effort. We can’t control how others act or what they say and do, but we can control our own behavior. Here are a few behavior patterns you can adopt to help you be the best you can be for your partner.
- Respect- If you respect your partner, you will be willing to take into account their thoughts, feelings, wants, and beliefs. You will also have a desire to put their needs equal to or above your own.
- Priority- Being wanted and needed is something that most people desire. Letting your partner know they are important to you is huge in a relationship.
- Positivity- It can be easy to focus on the flaws or shortcomings of others. But, doing so will only bring you both down. There is a belief that what you put into the universe, you get back from the universe. This can be applied to relationships as well.
- Loyalty and Trust- Loyalty and trust are the foundation of any good relationship. If your partner knows you can be trusted and will stay loyal to them, you can avoid many arguments and misunderstandings.
- Communication- This is vital in any relationship. When each partner knows what the other wants or needs, they can more fully support and fulfill one another. Communicating is also an essential step in navigating any thorny issues that may arise.
2. Loving Gestures (Bonus: They’re Free!)
Low on money? No problem. There are many actions you can take to show your partner that you love them without spending a cent.
- Mid-Day Messages- Taking a moment in the middle of your day to send your partner a message is sure to make them smile. A simple “I’m thinking of you and want you to know how much I love you” goes a long way. Add a fun GIF for added smiles.
- Love Notes- Although text messages are perfectly acceptable, writing a handwritten love note for your partner is definitely more romantic. A sticky note, piece of paper, or even a napkin will work for this. You can also use a dry erase marker and write on the mirror.
- Labor of Love- If your partner has a chore that they always do, such as laundry, dishes, or taking out the trash, surprise them by completing it for them. If you don’t know what to do, ask them what you can do to make their life easier.
- Face to Face- Look your partner in the eyes and tell them what you love about them or give them a sincere compliment.
- Listen- Sometimes, all that your partner needs is for you to simply listen to them. Whether it’s something that’s bugging them, a problem at work, their dreams, or whatever else, just listen. Give input when warranted.
3. Surprise, Surprise
While there are many free things that you can do to show your partner how much you love them, sometimes it’s fun to splurge a little bit and spoil them. If you can present your gift as a surprise, bonus points! Everyone loves a surprise.
- Favorite Treat- Surprise your partner by taking them out for their favorite ice cream, picking up their favorite candy on the way home from work, or having their favorite gourmet cookies delivered for no reason other than that you love them.
- Date Night- Sometimes, as relationships progress and you’ve been together a while, actual date nights might seem like something of the past. But don’t let that happen; make sure to date your significant other regularly. Quality time together is a must. This takes some preparation; you may need to line up a babysitter in advance if kids are involved, make a reservation at a restaurant, or buy tickets to a show. Going to the trouble to do the legwork in advance sends a strong message that you care.
- Vacation- If you are able to really splurge, plan a dream vacation for you and your loved one. A chance to get away, spend time together, and reconnect will be well worth the cost.
Showing your significant other what they mean to you shouldn’t be a one-day thing; make sure to take time every day to show them just what they mean to you. If life is busy, or if you’re prone to forgetting, make a note in your planner so you keep relationship-building as a priority. These small investments will pay big dividends in keeping your relationship fresh and vibrant.