Romantic gestures don’t always have to be grandiose, so here are small things that make her feel loved and appreciated.
Thoughtfulness
There’s something incredibly endearing about a man who remembers to pick up her favorite snack at the store, brings home a book she mentioned one day, or sends a text to her in the middle of his day just because he thought of her.
It makes her feel like he thinks of her all day long, even when they’re apart. Little gestures like these communicate that he isn’t just there for her in name only; he notices the small details that make her who she is.
Presence
Putting his phone down to give her undivided attention is actually one of the highest forms of respect a partner can give these days. When he maintains eye contact and actually listens to what she has to say, rather than waiting for his turn to speak, she knows he’s interested.
She feels respected when he proves to her that he not only hears the words coming out of her mouth, but that he genuinely cares about her thoughts, feelings, and stories.
Initiative
Women love it when their guy takes the initiative to lighten their load. There’s a subtle difference between being told what to do and simply knowing what to do.
Men who empty the dishwasher without being asked, take out the trash when it’s full, or buy more coffee when they know they’re about to run out are consciously taking things off of her plate. When he stops treating her like his assistant and starts treating her like his teammate, she will feel relieved.
Appreciation
Whether she’s around friends, family, co-workers, or all of the above, hearing her partner thank her or compliment her in front of others means the world. When he compliments her work ethic, her quick wit, or just her character, he’s telling everyone else that he loves having her around.
She feels secure knowing that he isn’t just saying it to her behind closed doors. Public validation makes her feel strong and confident.
Affection
Whether it’s an extended hug when saying hello or goodbye, holding hands when walking together, or a simple pat on the back for no reason in particular, touching your partner is highly intimate.
When a man leads these types of touches, he is creating a safe environment for her to feel close without trying to make a move. Building a safe space for her to be physically vulnerable will allow her to feel like she always has a soft place to land with him.
Retention
If he can remember little things he said weeks or months ago, whether it’s his favorite way to take her coffee or how her uncle Jerry used to make her feel as a kid, then he is surely paying attention. Women love it when their man listens to what they have to say.
When a man can recall small details that she drops in conversation, she’ll know that he isn’t just hearing her voice; he is actually listening and storing that information in his brain.
Advocacy
She wants to know that there is somebody in her corner who believes in her, especially when she doesn’t believe in herself. Whether it’s a big work presentation or a situation in which she doesn’t feel confident, hearing “I know you’ve got this,” can change her whole mood.
If he constantly proves to be her biggest fan and advocate, she will feel like she can do anything.
Support
Stressful situations can often cause people to want to fix the problem for their partner. Many times, all she really needs is to vocalize her feelings and know that he understands what she’s going through. Learning to recognize when she simply needs him to listen will not only make her feel incredible, but it will strengthen the relationship in the long run.
Giving her the opportunity to choose what she needs shows that he cares about her feelings and that he knows supporting doesn’t always mean giving solutions.
Consistency
Surprise dates and grand gestures are great. But if he isn’t consistent with the small things, it will all go to waste. If a man shows up when he says he’s going to show up, and he doesn’t break plans at the last minute, she learns to trust him.
She won’t worry that he won’t show up or constantly play games with her because she knows where she stands with him. Knowing that she can always count on him helps her relax and be herself around him.
Gratitude
Girlfriends do a lot of invisible labor, and when it goes unnoticed, it can lead to pent-up frustration. Taking time to consciously say “Thank you for doing that,” or “I really appreciate how you handled that situation,” lets her know that he recognizes all of the things she does to help make your life easier.
This also prevents resentment from building up in a relationship and encourages the girlfriend to do the same.
Sources: Please see here for a complete listing of all sources that were consulted in the preparation of this article.
