Whether you’re dating, married, or in a long-term partnership, it’s important to keep the flame alive. And while we tend to think about relationships in terms of grand gestures like expensive jewelry or European vacations, the truth is that smaller gestures go much further in solidifying a relationship and showing your man that you love and care for him.
6 Ways to Show Him You Love Him
Want to show your man that you love him? Don’t make it more complicated than it has to be. Kind and thoughtful gestures go a long way. Here are a few you might consider trying:
- Say It!
Want to show him that you love him? Say those three little words more often. That sounds like simple advice, but it’s true. Say it when you’re least expected to say it. Say it the big moments and the small. Say it every day and let him know that you mean it.
- Give Him Your Full Attention
Nothing communicates love (or a lack thereof) quite like attention. So ask yourself, “Where is my attention going when I’m with my guy?”
“Get away from that pesky phone, put your laptop away, and clear your head of the day’s stress,” StyleCraze encourages. “Give him the same love and attention that you did when you first started dating. Don’t multitask when communicating with him. Make a point to really listen to what he has to say.”
This might seem weird at first, especially if you’re accustomed to talking while watching TV or scrolling through your Instagram feed. But your man will notice – and he’ll feel the love in your eye contact.
- Learn His Love Language
According to #1 New York Times bestselling author Dr. Gary Chapman, every person has a love language. In fact, Dr. Chapman believes every man has one of five primary love languages: words of affirmation, acts of service, receiving gifts, quality time, or physical touch.
It might seem weird, but ask your man to take a love language test. (And do the same for yourself.) This will allow you to understand who he is, how he receives love, and how you can show love and affection in a way that means something to him.
- Buy Thoughtful Gifts
Regardless of whether your man’s love language is “receiving gifts,” there’s something powerful about giving him gifts. The key is to make them thoughtful.
A thoughtful gift is something that’s sentimental, personally valuable, or functional. For many men, it’s the latter. Guys tend to love practical gifts – things they can put to use. Examples include:
While you might prefer gifts that are luxurious, your man just wants something that he can use. Keep it simple!
- Send Random Text Messages
If you’re dating and don’t live with your man, communication is especially important. Going too long without touching base could signal that you’re too busy to give him attention. Don’t go overboard and become a needy “clinger,” but do go out of your way to show him you care.
It’s good to talk on the phone every day, but sometimes a simple text message is all it takes to let him know that you’re thinking about him. Here are some cute ideas.
- Cheer Him On
Your man might put on a strong and independent front, but at his core, he wants to know that you’re proud of him. Take every chance you can to show him that you’re his biggest supporter, both privately and publicly.
“Praise his achievements in front of relatives, tell people all the good things he does for you and the community – make him feel seen and loved,” StyleCraze notes. “He should know that you are aware of all the good qualities he has and that you appreciate them.”
Be free and easy with your encouragement and support, but always make sure it comes from a genuine place.
Don’t Overthink Things
While there’s nothing wrong with a grand gesture here and there, your man isn’t looking for a huge party or expensive vacation. What he really wants is you. And it’s the thousand small gestures that show him you love him. Start here and you’ll see your relationship flourish.