15 Approaches To Make Your Partner Feel Loved
Love, the most profound emotional bond, is the cornerstone of our lives from infancy till our final days. In the realm of romance, love blossoms when we feel seen, heard, and deeply understood by our partners.
Feeling loved comes with the consistent acts of kindness, thoughtfulness, and respect our partners demonstrate toward us. It is the sense of accessibility, responsiveness, and emotional engagement our partners provide that solidifies this feeling of being loved.
Being accessible signifies our partners are always within reach; being responsive means they are emotionally present when we approach them, and emotional engagement means our partners connect with us sincerely when they are reachable and responsive to our needs.
However, knowing how to make your partner feel loved isn’t always straightforward. But with a few practical steps, you can assure your spouse of your love and appreciation.
Everyone wishes to feel loved and appreciated; usually, making a few small changes daily can make this possible.
Here are some proven methods I’ve found that can make your partner feel cherished.
Know Their Love Language
Understanding your partner’s unique desires and preferences opens the door to a deeper level of connection and affection. The quintessential love dialects are:
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Words of Affirmation – Some individuals find solace in hearing kind and supportive words; they enjoy the affirmation and validation that comes with heartfelt compliments and messages. A simple note of love or text message can make their day.
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Acts Of Service – Actions speak louder than words for these individuals. They perceive love in the doing, not the saying. It’s not about grand gestures but about the little things you do to make their lives easier such as cooking a meal or doing household chores.
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Gifts – Gifts are not about materialism for these individuals, but about the thoughtfulness and effort behind the gesture. The joy they derive stems from knowing that someone took time to select a gift specifically with them in mind.
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Quality Time – This love language is all about undivided attention and presence. It’s about taking time out of your busy schedule to connect with your partner. Making time for them conveys a powerful message of love and affirmation.
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Physical Touch – Individuals with this love language value the reassurance that comes from physical touch. It’s not limited to intimate touch but extends to holding hands, a pat on the back, or a comforting hug on a tough day.
Related Reading: Understanding The 5 Love Languages
Throughout the course of your relationship, you may find resources like the porn-free marriage guide, the guide to deeper physical intimacy, or the emotional intimacy 101 to be beneficial.
These resources offer actionable advice on how to navigate common relationship hurdles, create an emotionally safe environment, and foster various types of intimacy. Furthermore, they provide insights on overcoming intimacy issues and nurturing a secure relationship.
How To Express Love & Value To Your Spouse
Here are three reimagined ways to express your fondness and make your significant other feel truly cherished:
1. Compliment
Extending a sincere, heartfelt compliment can do wonders for your partner’s heart. Recognize their efforts, admire their appearance, or simply appreciate their existence. With honest words, you can make them feel loved and cherished. Tap into the power of verbal affirmation and make their day brighter.
2. Demonstrate Your Love
Sex doesn’t always equate to affection. There are subtler ways to express your love. Surprise your partner with a gentle squeeze of their hand, a loving embrace when they least expect it, or a playful wink from across the room. Little gestures like these can stimulate emotions and make your partner feel loved and cherished.
3. Remake Memorable Moments
Every relationship has a treasure trove of unforgettable moments. Revisiting these memories can ignite the spark and rekindle love. Consider recreating your favorite times together, like the day you proposed, the place where your eyes met for the first time, or any other memory that holds a special place in your hearts.
4. Celebrate Their Accomplishments
Every milestone, big or small, in your partner’s life, should be a cause for celebration. Be their strongest supporter and reinforce their self-belief by acknowledging their efforts.
The joy of small victories can sometimes be overshadowed, but not when you’re there to shine a light on them. Commemorate not only their personal accomplishments but also the milestones you have reached as a couple.
Remembering to rejoice in half-year anniversaries, particularly early in the marriage, or the anniversary of your first date, can cause your spouse’s face to light up with happiness.
5. Acknowledge
A simple expression of gratitude can make a world of difference to your spouse, who could be juggling multiple roles at work, at home, and as a parent. A heartfelt ‘Dear, I am grateful for all the hard work you put in,’ can make them feel valued and appreciated.
6. Embrace Their Family
Loving your spouse also means accepting and loving their family. Despite differences in views or values, finding common ground and embracing them as your own is vital. This act of acceptance can make your spouse feel loved and cherished.
7. Follow Through On Promises
The importance of honoring your commitments to your spouse cannot be overstated. Sticking to your promises will inspire your partner to reciprocate even when the going gets tough. The minute details matter – be it a promise to share a relaxing TV session, do the dishes, or offer a soothing back rub. Don’t renege on your pledges.
8. Take Care Of Yourself
It may seem paradoxical to focus on self-care in a guide about making your spouse feel cherished. But remember, you cannot give from an empty vessel.
Nourish yourself by getting adequate rest, hydration, and nutrition. Engage in activities you love, replenish your own spirit, and you’ll be better equipped to uplift your partner’s spirit too. For a deeper understanding of self-love, read here.
9. Foster Mutual Priorities
Life’s unexpected challenges and relentless pace should never be an excuse to neglect your spouse. Make a conscious effort to prioritize each other. Carve out time to be together, even if it’s a few precious moments at dawn or dusk. Don’t allow other commitments to overshadow your spouse. For tips on prioritizing your spouse, read here.
10. Learn What Your Spouse Needs
Ascertain the needs of your spouse. Being in a marital bond does not automatically imply a comprehensive understanding of what they require. So initiate a conversation, discover what brings them happiness, how you can make them feel appreciated, and brainstorm ways to surprise them and make them feel cherished pleasantly.
11. Give Them A Day Off
Spend a day shouldering all the household responsibilities while they indulge in activities they enjoy. Whether it’s a rejuvenating spa day, socializing with friends, or simply enjoying some solitary time, this gesture helps replenish their emotional reservoir, enabling them to take better care of everyone, including you.
12. Speak w/ Sincerity
Let your words carry the weight of your intentions and sentiments. When you express your love, ensure that it is accompanied by genuine emotion and action. Use your body language, eye contact, and expressions to reinforce your words. Avoid using phrases you know they long to hear unless they truly resonate with your feelings. For more tips on effective communication, check out Nine Agendas That Hinder Effective Communication.
13. Open Exchange of Ideas
In the realm of relationships, open dialogue serves as the conduit that ensures the smooth flow of love and understanding. Abstain from words that may wound, yet don’t hesitate to converse, whatever the nature of the situation.
Experiencing the highs and lows together, armed with words of empathy and understanding, can guide you through even the toughest of times. For more insights, visit Nine Agendas That Hinder Effective Communication.
14. Empathize with Your Partner’s Concerns
When your partner is anxious about something that may seem insignificant to you, let it matter to you as well. Immerse yourself in her perspective, showcasing empathy and understanding. Make it known that her worries are valid and important to you. A Deeper Physical and Emotional Intimacy is achievable when partners validate each other’s emotions and concerns without judgment or criticism.
15. Shared Decision Making
A shared decision-making process is the key to maintaining harmony in your relationship. Be it big decisions that impact your life together or small, daily choices, doing it together avoids the blame game and ensures you’re always on the same page. To learn more about the importance of decision-making in relationships, check out How to Stay Married in an Unequally Yoked Relationship.
How To Make Your Wife Feel Cherished and Valued
Manifesting appreciation and affection for your wife can be a challenging endeavor. Often, she may scrutinize her reflection in the bathroom mirror, pondering her worth. Here are a few strategies to reassure her that she is more than adequate:
1. Join Her In Her Hobbies
Let not her hobbies remain exclusive to her. Exhibit curiosity, ask questions, and participate if it’s feasible. Bestowing her with your undivided attention communicates that her interests matter to you as well.
2. Help Around The House
Avoid assuming that your wife should manage all domestic tasks. Regardless of whether you have children or not, household chores are aplenty, and you both inhabit the same space. Share the responsibilities; she will appreciate your efforts and feel less burdened. To further improve your cohabitation, explore these tips on marriage-9-ways-to-prioritize-your-spouse.
3. Acknowledge Her Needs
Gaining insight into your wife’s requirements—both in and outside the bedroom—is paramount. She will appreciate knowing that you view her as more than an object but someone you genuinely care for and strive to please. For suggestions on nurturing a deeper connection, take a look at emotional intimacy.
4. Honor Your Vows
Maintain the sanctity of your marital promises. Bear in mind that these commitments mean a great deal to your better half, and they should to you as well. No matter what challenges life throws at you, or how your spouse feels or looks, remember your vows and support her tirelessly. For information on keeping the spark alive in your marriage, consider these four steps to ignite the spark.
5. Unplanned Gifts
Expensive presents aren’t necessary to express your feelings; even small and thoughtful surprises can have a profound impact. Pay attention to what she loves or shows interest in, and surprise her with those things when the moment is right.
It’s not about the gift itself, but the thought and effort you put into it. This gesture will show her how well you know her and that you are a companion who listens and understands. Read more on how to create instant intimacy.
6. Guarantee Her Safety
As a husband, you should provide security and reassurance to your wife. She expects you to protect and care for the family, just as you expect the same from her.
Don’t impede her independence; instead, let her know she can always count on you, regardless of the circumstances. To understand more about creating a safe space in a relationship, check out her needs for a secure relationship.
How To Make Your Husband Feel Cherished and Valued
Surprisingly enough, husbands, too, crave recognition and affection. Here are some creative strategies to show your significant other how much you cherish him:
1. Learn About His Dreams & Aspirations
Men harbor desires and aspirations both in and out of the bedroom as well! Strive to understand what these are, and do your best to fulfill them. If you’re in doubt, a simple conversation can clear things up.
Most men are more than willing to express their needs, especially when they know their partner genuinely cares and wants to contribute to their fulfillment. If you need insights on this topic, His Needs, Her Needs is a good resource.
2. Show Gratitude
Display your admiration for your husband, appreciating his efforts in various spheres of life. If he lends you a helping hand, ensure he knows how valuable his support is to you. This simple act of gratitude will surely enhance the bond you share. To understand more on expressing appreciation in relationships, you can refer to 15 Ways To Love Your Husband Unconditionally.
3. Encourage His Ambition
Often, men have ambitious dreams. Be his primary source of encouragement and assist him in achieving those dreams. When he is feeling disheartened or believes he can’t make it, be there to support him to reach his aspirations. For more on how to support your partner’s goals, check out Four Steps to Ignite the Spark.
4. Participate In His Hobbies
While Monday-night football or late-night basketball games may not be your cup of tea, it’s important to familiarize yourself with your husband’s hobbies and find enjoyment in them. Most men find it incredibly attractive when their partner is interested in their passions. For more ideas on how to get involved in your partner’s likes, check out Experiential Intimacy.
5. Respect His “Nothing Box”
Every man needs his space, often referred to as the “nothing box.” This doesn’t necessarily mean an entire room, but rather giving him the freedom to be himself. If he’s able to have an actual spot according to his liking, that’s even better — but let’s not blame you if a room full of sports posters doesn’t make it into the house tour! Ultimately, the idea is to respect his need for personal space.