6 Small But Impactful Ways to Show Your Partner More Appreciation (2024)

“You’re the best, babe.”
“Thanks so much for everything.”
“I don’t know what I would do without you.”

But while all of those sayings are well and good, and there is a time and a place for all of them, the ones that tend to resonate the most are the ones that are super specific—so really take the time to think about the exact thing that you want your partner to know. Why are they the best in that moment—did they remind you of your awesomeness in a particularly down moment? Did they lift up your spirits right when you could feel yourself entering a tunnel of darkness? Or did they do something as simple as taking out the trash when you had a long day and just could not? Whatever they did, however big or small, try to be more specific about thanking them for that particular action. “When you apologize to someone, it’s always better to say why you’re sorry—and the same goes for gratitude,” explains Hauser. “Saying why you appreciate your partner reinforces to them how much they matter to you, because the specifics make your gratitude feel more real and tangible.” And that context may feel more heartfelt and strike more of a chord with your partner than a basic, universal “you’re the best.”

4. Make sure you’re taking care of yourself, too.

It sounds obvious, but if you aren’t meeting your own basic needs, it’s harder to meet someone else’s needs. Making sure you’re getting quality sleep is a huge part of that.

In fact, Hauser says that while people usually point to finances and sex as the two most stressful aspects of a long-term relationship, she puts lack of sleep right up there on the list, too. And research has even confirmed this idea. One study found that poor sleep is associated with more relationship conflict, likely because it can leave you feeling cranky and self-involved and too tired to be nice to or even deal with your partner (hi, raises hand). But on an even bigger note, Hauser explains that lack of sleep can also leave one or both of you feeling resentful. “There are so many things that can cause lack of sleep in a relationship, from one partner’s snoring or frequent trips to the bathroom to different preferences in sleep temperature and/or mattress firmness—so there’s often an added component of general disdain for the spouse who ‘causes’ that lack of sleep in the first place,” she explains. “And then, as a result, this baseline irritation can permeate and underscore all other interactions.”

6 Small But Impactful Ways to Show Your Partner More Appreciation (2024)

FAQs

6 Small But Impactful Ways to Show Your Partner More Appreciation? ›

A warm smile, spending quality time with someone, or even just actively listening can make a huge difference in how people feel appreciated. In fact, doing something enjoyable for someone else is one way to express gratitude, and these simple acts can really make others feel valued.

How do you make your partner appreciate you more? ›

Here are ten different ways to show your partner love and appreciation on a regular basis:
  1. Mail a card. ...
  2. Small gestures. ...
  3. Active listening. ...
  4. Offer to help. ...
  5. Compliment them. ...
  6. Honoring feelings. ...
  7. Eat dinner together. ...
  8. Try each other's interests.

What is a small way of showing appreciation? ›

A warm smile, spending quality time with someone, or even just actively listening can make a huge difference in how people feel appreciated. In fact, doing something enjoyable for someone else is one way to express gratitude, and these simple acts can really make others feel valued.

How can I show my partner I appreciate him? ›

You can demonstrate your love by hugging them when they come home, holding their hand when you're on a walk, or snuggling together on the sofa while watching Netflix. Maybe your partner prefers words of affirmation. If so, write love letters, send text messages, or leave handwritten notes.

How to make a partner feel appreciated? ›

Speak Your Partner's Love Language
  1. Acts of service.
  2. Physical touch.
  3. Quality time.
  4. Receiving gifts.
  5. Words of affirmation.
Sep 25, 2023

How do I feel more grateful for my partner? ›

Consider these tips to help you cultivate gratitude in your relationship.
  1. Share compliments out loud. ...
  2. Pitch in and give your partner a break. ...
  3. Involve your children in thanking and letting your partner know of your appreciation. ...
  4. Write a note, text, or letter expressing appreciation and gratitude.
Nov 16, 2021

What are the 5 ways of showing appreciation? ›

Top 10 Ways to Show Appreciation
  • Give a Gift.
  • Write An Appreciation Note.
  • Compliment Them.
  • Create Something Homemade.
  • Take Her Out for Coffee.
  • Lend a Listening Ear.
  • Do Something They Enjoy.
  • Make a Photo Album.

What is a small sentence for appreciate? ›

Examples of appreciate in a Sentence

I really appreciated the information you gave me. Your help the other day was greatly appreciated. The tiny creature contributes to its ecosystem in ways we are only just beginning to appreciate. I don't think you appreciate the complexity of the situation.

What is a small appreciation? ›

A token of appreciation is a small act of kindness that shows gratitude. In our everyday lives, receiving a thank you card from a friend for attending a wedding or helping them move is a small token of appreciation that highlights that your friend is thankful.

What is the sweetest thing to say to your man? ›

I'm so grateful that I met you. You look so hot tonight – you're the most handsome guy here. Your smile still gives me butterflies. You're so smart – I love the way your mind works.

How to appreciate a good boyfriend? ›

Just tell him. Hug him, show him affection, cook him his favorite meal, let him know how appreciated he is and that you do not take his kindness for granted. Some men have fragile egos, and they like to know they are worthy, it builds their self esteem. He sounds like a great guy and a keeper!

How to touch her heart through text? ›

Short Text Messages
  1. You make me forget how to breathe.
  2. Nobody is perfect, but you're so close it's scary 👌👸
  3. All I need is you right here.
  4. You give me endless butterflies.
  5. Just the thought of you right now makes my heart soar.
  6. I love you more than I did yesterday but not more than I will tomorrow ❤

How do I appreciate my partner in bed? ›

Calling her hot, super sexy, vivacious will makeher feel special. "Women love to be seen as unique and different every time, soinstead of comparing her performance with the last time, tell her how amazingshe is each time you indulge in a sexual act," suggests Dr.

How to make your boyfriend appreciate you more? ›

11 Ways To Get Your Partner To Value You More
  1. Set A Good Example. Even though it should be obvious that appreciation is important, that isn't always the case. ...
  2. Expect The Best From Them. ...
  3. Show Yourself Some Respect. ...
  4. Drop Some Helpful Hints. ...
  5. Write Them A Note. ...
  6. Don't Be So Bitter. ...
  7. Stop Giving As Much. ...
  8. Create An Appreciation List.
Aug 16, 2016

How do I make my partner feel respected? ›

How do you show respect in a healthy relationship?
  1. Talking openly and honestly with each other.
  2. Listening to each other.
  3. Valuing each other's feelings and needs.
  4. Compromising.
  5. Speaking kindly to and about each other.
  6. Giving each other space.
  7. Supporting each other's interests, hobbies, careers, etc.
  8. Building each other up.

How to deal with an ungrateful partner? ›

Let them know that you love them, but that you can't let this treatment continue. Verbally, give them parameters regarding what you will and won't tolerate. If applicable, let the person know that you'll have to find someone to take over full or part-time if this continues.

Why do I feel unappreciated in my relationship? ›

You may not be communicating your needs to each other in a way you understand. According to a 2023 study , discussing issues in the relationship and actively attempting to resolve those issues indicates care and appreciation in the relationship.

How do you get your partner to respect you more? ›

Here are 7 tips to help you to gain respect from your girlfriend:
  1. #1 Establish clear boundaries. In a relationship you need to always fight fair. ...
  2. #2 Communicate your feelings. ...
  3. #3 Be consistent. ...
  4. #4 Model Respect. ...
  5. #5 Give positive reinforcement. ...
  6. #6 Be confident. ...
  7. #7 Get Help.

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