15 ways to show your love with more than words

After a period of time, the words ‘I love you’ can only carry so much weight. Here are 15 small ways to show your partner that you love them with more than words.

1. Doing those unwanted and annoying tasks

Do the dishes or the laundry. Clean the cat’s litter. Make dinner. Do something that is normally your partners ‘task’, not because they have asked you to, but to lighten the load for them on any given day.

2. Small unexpected gifts

Gifts aren’t reserved for occasions, sometimes the best gifts can come spontaneously. Whether it be something your partner mentioned in passing, something small you know that they need or have run out of, or a treat on a bad day. It’s less about the material item itself, and more about the thought behind the gift.

3. Show patience and kindness

Sometimes existing alongside another person can be frustrating and try your patience. The old adage ‘Love is patient, love is kind’ still rings true. Try not to sweat the small stuff, particularly if you live together. There are going to be things about each other that will annoy you, but they don’t need to be a big deal or a fight.

4. Cleaning up, beyond the call of duty

Honestly, there is nothing sexier than a partner scrubbing the toilet or shower, unasked.

5. Be weird together

Be comfortable enough to let your freak flag fly. Be weird and strange with each other. Sing and dance and enjoy each other’s company.

6. Create together

Whatever you might enjoy. Art, music, gardening, play a sport, cook together. Creating together is a valuable way to bond and learn new skills

7. Encourage their hobbies and be their cheer squad

Just because you might not understand your partner’s hobby, does not make it any less valid. Get interested in their stuff. Be their cheer squad, tell them that you support them (even If it bores you to tears) and don’t criticize or put down the things they love or are passionate about.

8. Believe in each other

Encourage each other to try new things and take (measured) risks. Help each other to not be perpetually afraid of failure.

9. Be unafraid to tell them when they are hurting themselves. Love can be harsh honesty

Whether it’s drinking, laziness, or a really bad beard, sometimes love is hard truths.

10. Break routine occasionally

Find a new restaurant. Find a new sexual position or act. Go somewhere you’ve never been together before.

11. Allow each other space, cohabitation doesn’t mean co-existence

Remember that alone time is important, and having your own space is important. Allow each other time apart, go on separate trips, and encourage them to spend time with their friends. Time apart can actually make your time together more valuable.

12. Bring positive energy

Be a beacon of light for your partner. It’s tempting to unload your emotional stress and baggage on your partner, and it’s important to share your worries and fears with each other. But remember to share your happiness and love with them as well.

13. Lower each other’s stress levels, be calm in a crisis

If your partner is stressed out, take a second to breathe with them. Offer a massage, or do something together that they enjoy. Sometimes the best thing you can do for a stressed person is to be a calming influence.

14. Be your best self

Don’t stop trying just because you’re in a long-term relationship. Get dressed up and make an effort occasionally, strive to be your best self for you, and for them.

15. Hug it out

Physical touch is extremely important, not just in a sexual context. Sit close to your partner, touch their hair or legs and arms. Cuddle and hug each other, just because you can. Physical touch increased bonding and releases serotonin.