Love Therapist Reveals Ways To Make A Partner Feel Appreciated

1. The many ways of expressing appreciation

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When you express your appreciation, however subtle it might be, it can go a long way in making your partner feel valued.  All relationships are different and there isn't really one set way of expressing your appreciation for one another.  However, here are some common ways you could express it, helping you to maintain a loving and healthy relationship.

2. Verbal Compliments

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One way that is quite overt is by not forgetting to give verbal compliments to one another.  By verbally complementing one another, you are boosting each other's self-esteem, particularly when they are clearly genuine and praise their qualities, efforts, and achievements.

3. Active Listening

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A subtler way to make them feel appreciated is to not just hear them, but actively listen to them.  To do this, you have to pay attention to them and make this clear when they speak.  Be sure to ask relevant questions and overtly show that you value their thoughts and feelings.

4. Thank You Notes

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Now, who doesn't like being completely unsubtle? There is absolutely nothing wrong with being completely clear and obvious with your appreciation of them, leaving little notes for them, expressing your gratitude for something that they've done, or if you're lovely and cheesy, for just existing.

5. Quality Time

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Showing that you want to spend quality time with them can go a long way too, especially when you show them that you're enjoying that quality time too and you're not too busy to fully immerse yourself into it. Spend meaningful time together doing activities that you both enjoy.

6. Surprises

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Surprising your partner with thoughtful gifts is a wonderful way to show your appreciation for them.  And is a great way to do this particularly if there is actually no special occasion!  It doesn't have to be a birthday or another occasion when you usually exchange gifts, it can simply be any day of the week!

7. Date Nights

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Along with your quality time and surprises, date nights can also go a long way in letting your partner know that they're appreciated, as well as you feel appreciated by them.  Special evenings where just the two of you spend quality time together don't have to always be fancy expensive meals, just an evening in will be enough!

8. Physical Affection

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Offering physical affection can be appreciated too and might be a lovely way to show your love.  Hugging, kissing and other forms of physical affection can cause your brain to release the 'bonding hormone', oxytocin, as well as stimulate the release of dopamine and serotonin.

9. Try to not always solve their problems

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Sometimes, we speak to our loved ones for support and guidance and welcome and appreciate it when it comes our way.  However, sometimes, we just want to speak and have someone listen to us without trying to solve our problems.  Listening without solutions can make their thoughts and feelings feel valid.

10. Compliments

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Being complimentary about your partner might also make them feel appreciated.  And even though it's not the most important thing, not only complimenting their achievements and personality but also complementing their physical appearance and style can boost self-esteem too.

11. Encourage Them

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It's also important that they feel supported, just like you would want to feel supported too.  So encouraging them and showing an interest in their hobbies and passions, even if they differ from your own, shows that you appreciate their interests and they can feel supported pursuing them.

12. Respect Boundaries

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It's also important, to make them feel valued and appreciated, and that you respect your partner's personal boundaries too.  This means that you don't spend time interrogating them about the boundaries they have set, as well as giving them space when they need it.

13. Set Boundaries

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It's also just as important that you set your own boundaries and be completely clear about them to your partner so they understand to read the signs when you need some space.  Having your own space is really important for your well-being and relationship and it's important that the boundaries are clear to prevent any misunderstanding.

14. Share Responsibilities

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If you're in a relationship with somebody that you live with, the mundane day-to-day household tasks can sometimes put a strain on your relationship.  Sometimes, partners feel underappreciated when they're taking on more of the responsibilities so it's important that you share household and financial responsibilities fairly.

15. Apologize

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It can be hard to admit that you're wrong, but it's super important that you don't be too proud all of the time and apologize when it's needed.  Own up to your mistakes and say sorry in a sincere way when you've done wrong or made a mistake.  This will make your partner feel appreciated and considered.

16. Random Acts of Kindness

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It can also be great for any relationship to engage in random acts of kindness without a special occasion. And when these are done unexpectedly, it can really make them hit home and make them realize how much you really appreciate your partner. And it doesn't have to even be gifts, it can be subtle actions that count greatly too.

17. Reminisce

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When you've been in a relationship for a while, it can be really lovely to reminisce about your relationship together.  Talking through fond memories and sharing your perspective on them might show your partner that you really appreciate the memories that you have shared together.

18. Support

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Romantic relationships work when each partner is willing to support the other and vice versa.  Showing them that you actively support their goals, interests, and dreams, can encourage them to work hard towards them, rather than feeling like you're not on board.

19. Express Gratitude

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You might find that expressing your gratitude for them and what they do can go a long way in making them feel appreciated. And this can be as obvious or as subtle as you like.  Even if it's just a simple thank you after they've done something for you, it can really help them to feel like their actions are genuinely valued.

20. Initiate Intimacy

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Being the one to initiate intimacy, whether it is physical or not can help you to show some affection for your partner, with the goal of making them feel like they're appreciated.  And it doesn't even need to lead to more, intimacy in relationships is important in all of its forms.

21. Celebrate

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It's also important that you celebrate and applaud their efforts, particularly when they go above and beyond.  This can make them feel that their efforts have been appreciated and can add to their self-esteem.  Even celebrating your wins together within your relationships, whatever they are, can help you to bond.

22. Laugh

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It's also important to have a bit of a sense of humor in your relationship because sharing moments of laughter and joy can make you feel good. It's such an important part of a relationship to know that you can have fun together and appreciate each other's laughter and happiness.

23. Patience

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It's important to remember that relationships aren't always sunshine and lollipops.  In fact, sometimes they can actually reach some murky waters where arguments and challenges breed.  But it doesn't have to be all accusatory expressions and frustrations because having patience and understanding during tough times can get you through them without upsetting each other too much.

24. Trust

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One big way that you can show appreciation for each other in a romantic relationship is by explicitly showing each other trust. Knowing that your judgments and decisions are trusted by your partner can make you feel incredibly valued and confident in making choices.

25. Thoughtfulness

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If your partner does open up to you and they want you to do more than listen, for example, give them guidance, support, or advice, then tread sensitively.  Be sure to provide them with a thoughtful response that shows that you have really listened with a compassionate and active ear.

26. Create a memory book

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If you enjoy reminiscing about your relationship and your experiences together, it might be a lovely activity to show your appreciation for them by creating some sort of memory book.  This can include photos, written memories, tickets, receipts, and so on in a physical book, or you could even do this digitally.

27. Don't Wait to be Asked

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Being thoughtful and not waiting to be asked to do something for your partner can help them to feel really appreciated.  You see, giving them gifts unannounced, cooking their favorite meal once in a while or even planning a date night without them even hinting can make them feel like you've thought about them.

28. Leave Messages

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Sending sweet texts and messages that are loving and thoughtful throughout the day can help you to connect and bond even when you're apart.  It's as if you're thinking about them even when you're not physically with them and this will surely make them feel appreciated.

29. Tell Them

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There are so many actions that you can take and tokens that you can give to them, but just simply telling them and reminding them frequently that you love them can be enough too.  It doesn't have to be elaborate, just thoughtful, reciprocated, and consistent.

30. Consistency

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To make them feel appreciated, it's important to remember that it's a continuous effort that requires consistency.  It's important to communicate with one another to understand the types of gestures that are appreciated and to remember that a healthy and loving relationship is built on mutual appreciation.