How to Show Love

Know what he or she needs. You can express your feelings with gifts, but your partner prefers to receive feelings of love rather than material things. Finding out that you’re not showing affection the way your partner wants you to can surprise you. However, knowing how your partner accepts your feelings can help you express it in a way that makes your partner appreciate it. Try multiple ways and see which gives the most positive results. There have been researches surveying 5 “love languages” or ways to create a connection with your partner, give and receive love: ^[1]

• Affirmations: compliments, express your positive feelings, say “I love you”.
• Close time: wholeheartedly cares about that person.
• Gifts: you can give gifts that are symbols of love such as flowers, jewelry, other utensils.
• Careful attention: help the person walk the dog, clean the kitchen.
• Cuddling: making love, holding hands, giving feelings of love.

Turn emotions into language. Tell that person you love them. Tell the person when you find them attractive. He can’t read your mind, so express your feelings for him in words. Express the meaning you get from your partner and remember it’s always fun! ^[2]

• It’s easier to write your feelings down than to say them, so you can send them a card or letter.
• Leave messages for that person to express your thoughts and care.

Show affection. Affection expresses what words cannot. When you’re with that person, show affection affectionately through caresses such as stroking his hair, holding hands, and holding his or her arms. Touching can create intimacy and let your partner know you want to be around them. ^[3]

• The degree of fondness of each person is different. Share with your partner what they appreciate, how they like to be petted, and how appropriate they are in public.

Spend some alone time together. Life can make you busy with work, children, pets, family with your spouse, friends, etc. Schedule some time to be with your partner. Find a babysitter and spend the night together. Focus on that person and talk about things that matter to both of you; Avoid talking about “shoulds,” children, or money. Plan a romantic date night and do something together. ^[4]

• You don’t have to make the date romantic, just have fun! Do something silly or choose a fun activity and laugh together.

Express gratitude. Let them know that you care by appreciating what they do. Be grateful for everything the person does, like picking up the kids, buying dog food. In addition, you should also show gratitude for the qualities you hold dear in your partner, such as love, care, and tolerance. ^[5]

• Express your gratitude through words or messages.
• You can give gifts to show gratitude such as flowers, a delicious meal, or something special of your choice.

Be kind. Kindness is an important key to keeping a stable and long-lasting relationship. Being kind is about letting your partner know you’re emotionally invested in the relationship. People who view kindness as a muscle that needs to be exercised are more likely to have a positive effect than those who view kindness as an unchangeable trait. ^[6]

• When your partner needs you but you’re tired, distracted, or overwhelmed, don’t be indifferent to that person. Turn to that person and create a bond.
• Kindness is also important when it comes to conflict. Be nice to that person and look back on the times you hurt that person and find a way to make up for it.

Share the happiness. Celebrate when that person has good news. Always be there when the person is in trouble, but especially be present when he or she receives good news. When two people share the joy together, it will keep the long-term stability of the relationship. ^[7] Show that you are supportive and share your happiness with your partner. Give that person all the attention when listening to that joy.

• Use your whole heart to share with that person. Ask questions and show your enthusiasm.