Telling your partner how much you care for them is great, but hardly ever enough. In relationships, showing how you feel is often more powerful than saying it. Showing, and not telling, sends a long lasting message that you care.
The problem is that most people think showing care for their partner is only about splurging on designer shirts or iPhone, expensive dinner dates and vacations. You can show care for your partner through several other ways that genuinely speak to them. Showing them you care can help infuse more trust, friendship and a more profound sense of togetherness in your relationship. Here are some meaningful ways you can try out.
1. Do something you don’t really want to do
There are probably things your partner wants, but you don’t like to do. Your partner may not complain because understanding and acceptance is an integral part of relationships. However, if you wish to show your partner you care about them, go out of your way to do what makes them happy even if you don’t like to do it.
Does your partner like a foot massage or wants you to attend a particular event you don’t want to do? It could even be a chore you detest. Go ahead and do it from time to time, and don’t complain while at it or ask for something in return. Your partner will be amazed and feel you care about them.
2. Dedicate a day to them
Life can get busy when you try to strike a balance between kids, work and other social activities. There’s nothing wrong in these, but the problem is they tend to make our partners feel we don’t care about them anymore. Spending some time together every day may not be enough to bond and enjoy each other’s company.
Show your partner how much you care by spending a lazy day with them. Set aside a day out of your busy schedule to make meals, eat junk, play games, watch movies, snuggle together, etc. It will help refuel the happiness in your relationship and strengthen the bond that exists between the two of you. What’s more, your partner will feel pampered by this gesture.
3. Give them what they need before they realize it
Giving your partner what they request is proper, but anticipating their needs is better. You show care on a higher notch when you predict what your partner needs and meet it before they realize it. It communicates that you think about them a lot and you’re making the discovery of what they need a priority.
Such gestures can help your partner focus their energy on more important things because you’ve got some points in their to-do list covered. Plus, you also get to help lessen the stress they go through. Little gestures such as picking the grocery, replacing the box of cookies, or making/ordering your partner’s favorite meal matters. This principle also applies to the bedroom.
4. Appreciate your partner
Don’t underestimate the potency of your words. Words spoken by couples to each other are weightier than words spoken by random individuals. Appreciation is essential, especially if you have both been in the relationship for a while. Appreciating your partner for their efforts in making the relationship work communicates that you care about them. It shows that you don’t take for granted their input in the relationship.
Speak loving words to your partner when you have the opportunity. Genuine compliments can brighten your partner’s day and make their heart swell with love. If you think your partner has done something that’s praiseworthy, let them know what you think of the act. Also, let them know what you think of them. You can even write them a cute note and send playful messages to check on them during the day.
5. Say you’re sorry and mean it
Of course, you know no one is perfect. A mistake now and then is not strange. So whether you’re wrong or not, you should say ‘sorry’ if there’s a misunderstanding between the two of you. If you’re wrong and you say you’re sorry, it shows that you care about them and that whatever you did was unintentional. But what if you’re right? Saying sorry sends the message that you care for your partner beyond winning an argument.
Showing care to your partner despite being hurt or offended is not always easy. You have to put your affection for them ahead of your raging emotions. It’s also essential that you discard the mindset of tit-for-tat.
6. Connect physically through touch
Many people love to be touched. A touch from a loved one can be comforting and relaxing. It could be as simple holding hands, a quick kiss, or a cuddle. It doesn’t have to be sexual – it’s to show that you are aware of them.
Sex remains an excellent way for couples to bond and feel close to each other. Nevertheless, touching your partner can help you both feel intimate with each other, and can also boost your moods. You can snuggle close to your partner while watching a movie, cuddle while having conversations, holds hands while walking and even hug them. It’s an intimate way of showing you care.
7. Listen when they talk
Both men and women like to know someone is listening when they speak. Your partner may want to talk about their day or their views on politics, technology fashion, entertainment or sports, and wants you to listen actively. You may not entirely get the hang of the topic or even be interested in it, but giving them your ear them sends a message that if it’s important to them, it’s important to you too.
Make efforts to show that you’re listening while they talk and be sure to make eye contact too. If you can, pause what you’re doing to show that you’re giving them your ears. Ask questions to prove you’re following and provide them with a piece of advice if they ask for it. One of the sweetest things you can do for your partner is to make them feel heard.
