Article Point: How To Let Your Partner Know Just How Much You Appreciate Them

Coming together with someone who really you comes with so many perks. Whether it’s the fact that they always remember to buy your favorite snacks or simply know the right thing to say to pull you out of your darker moments, being in a healthy relationship can feel super amazing. As the months begin to fly by, it can be easy to take all of the oh-so-sweet things they do for granted. This is why it’s so important to tell someone how much you appreciate them.

Sometimes, life gets so hectic and we get so bogged down in our own drama that our partners can start to feel neglected. This is totally understandable — no one wants to feel like they are always going out of their way for a significant other who doesn’t appreciate all of their hard work. It can also be all too easy to simply assume that they know how you feel, which can ultimately lead to hurt feelings and, in extreme cases, resentment. The good news is that showing your appreciation either verbally or through your actions isn’t complicated and presents a great opportunity to reconnect.

Follow these steps, and your partner will be feeling the love in no time.

1. Tell Them In The Moment

Ryan Tuttle/Stocksy

This goes without saying, but can be forgotten in the haze of the craziness that is life.

Figuring out how to best cater to a partner’s needs isn’t always easy. Sometimes, it takes some trial and error to remember what exactly to pick up at the grocery store or what flavor of ice cream is their favorite. That is why it’s so important to remember to point out whatever they did that brightened your day, even if it was something as small as buying a special treat they know you love.

And always remember to thank them in the moment. If they’re at work, then shoot them a cute text or pic of you enjoying your snack. It sounds silly, but communicating appreciation in the moment always comes off a little bit sweeter and sincere than after the effects of their gesture have worn off.

2. Tell Them Again

Ania Boniecka/Stocksy

Again, taking the time to acknowledge what your partner does for you is . It never hurts to thank them a second time. It might feel like overkill, but it’s always better to err on the side of over-appreciative rather than under-appreciative.

Sometimes, a simple thank you isn’t quite enough. When you get home or the next morning, really take a moment to acknowledge what they did and how it made you feel. Not only will they feel great knowing that they did something right, but it’s also a great way to keep the communication flowing.

3. Return The Favor

Lumina/Stocksy

Imagine if you were in love with someone and constantly did sweet things to show your love and the gestures were rarely reciprocated. This would feel like a huge bummer. Life doesn’t always allow for grandiose romantic gestures, but sometimes just helping your partner deal with a problem they’ve been avoiding or finally organizing their massive record collection is all it takes.

Remember that different types of people receive love in different ways. Some people feel the most love when their partner shows them physical affection, some people feel really loved when their partner tells them, and some people feel super loved when their partner takes action. For some, it’s a combination of all three. Appreciation comes in many different forms, so it may be helpful to think about what kind of “love receiver” your partner is.

4. Take The Initiative

Isaiah & Taylor Photography/Stocksy

I know life is busy, but sometimes there doesn’t need to be a catalyst for doing something thoughtful. Maybe you just passed a shop and saw a band tee you think they would really love — or perhaps a decadent-sounding new restaurant opened up and you decide to make reservations for the coming weekend, eliminating all of the potential stress. Often times, the nicest gestures are simple, but well thought out.

Life can be tough. By putting in some effort to provide a mutually thoughtful, appreciative, and loving dynamic between the both of you, chances are they’ll never want to let you go.

Check out the entire Gen Why series and other videos on Facebook and the Bustle app across Apple TV, Roku, and Amazon Fire TV.