Things you can do to make your partner feel loved, Valentine’s Day and every day

Even if you’re with your soulmate and things are easy and fun, no couple can survive on that alone. At least, not forever. Several years ago, I read the quote: “A person who feels appreciated will always do more than is expected.” -Anonymous

This resonated with me because as soon as I read it, I knew it was true. When a person feels valued, whether they are in a work setting, a romantic relationship, a friendship, or with family, they will do more than the bare minimum because they know that their work means something. Days like Valentine’s Day remind us how important it is to make time for your partner, so if you’re looking for ways to do that, not just on February 14, but every day of the week, here are a few things you can try.

1. Listen to them

This may seem obvious, but nowadays life is so fast-paced, and there are so many distractions, that often people don’t take the time to listen that their partner deserves. The most effective piece of advice I can give you in this regard is: listen to understand what your partner is saying, don’t just listen to respond.

BONUS: If you remember what your partner tells you and use it to inform your actions in the future, your partner will feel loved and appreciated because not only did you listen to them, but you cared enough to commit it to memory and use it to make them happy.

For example, if your partner says offhandedly they love a certain kind of flower or candy or food, and you buy them that flower or candy or make them that kind of food in the future, you are listening and using it to make them happy later.

2. Show interest in their passions

There’s nothing better than your partner showing interest in what you love, even if they aren’t the biggest fan of it themselves. I’m not saying you should pretend to like something your partner likes if you dislike it, but if your partner is into photography or basketball or art, taking a bit of time out of your day to compliment them on their skill or partake in their preferred activity.

Your partner might think they’re a pretty good photographer, writer, baseball player, etc. But hearing it from you, their partner and best friend, might just mean the world.

3. Do nice things without them having to ask

Whether it’s washing the dishes so they don’t have to do it later, bringing them a snack while they’re working or doing homework, or sending them a sweet message just to let them know you’re thinking of them, spontaneous displays of affection makes your partner feel special by letting them know they’re on your mind.

4. Communicate!

This, in my opinion, is the most important factor to a healthy relationship. Really taking the time to talk to your partner about things both big and small, keeps you guys in sync as a couple. Good communication is a prerequisite for your ability to solve problems and overcome things as a couple, and for being able to have fun together. After all, who wants to live with someone they can’t talk to?

A Note on Love Languages

Love languages vary from person to person and include gift giving, words of affirmation, quality time, physical touch and acts of service, and knowing your love language, as well as your partner’s, can be important to keeping yourself and your partner happy in a relationship. Based on this list, you can use the tips and tailor them to your individual partner based on their love language. However, I believe that the above tips will make anyone feel loved, regardless of their particular love language.

Good luck, and happy Valentine’s Day!