Dating, communication and Promenad

Sometimes when you're dating someone, it can be hard to think of ways to express your affection. If you've been with your partner for a while and you're in a rut, use these ideas for some new ways to let them know you care. If you've just met, these may be ideas you've never tried before. Check out these fun ideas for how to show love.

Be Present

If you're not sure how to show affection, one way is to be there for your partner. Whether it's finding last-minute gifts for a party or refilling the dog's water bowl, do it with them. Simply keeping someone company shows how much you care.

When you're creating a profile on a dating site like Promenad, a great option for singles, be sure to write that you like to show love in simple ways like this.

Plan an Outing

There are forethought and effort that goes into planning a date. If your partner usually takes that on, show you really care by taking on that responsibility instead.

If you need help deciding where to go or what to do, read local blogs or restaurant review sites. You can even crowdsource for ideas, if you exclude your partner from your post on social media.

Gifts

One of the best ways to show love is with a thoughtful gift. Here are some ideas of what to give:

  • Something they really need
  • Something they want but wouldn't buy for themselves
  • A homemade gift
  • A unique item they've never seen
  • An experience gift, like tickets to a show or membership to a museum or club

Besides bigger gifts like these, you can also give smaller gifts like a favorite snack or bouquet of flowers. Gifts that come without a special occasion are especially affectionate because they show you think about your partner every day.

Throw a Party

Is your partner celebrating a birthday soon? Do they have a big accomplishment they've worked toward? Whatever the occasion, throwing your partner a party to honor their big day is a great way to show them you care. Plan all the details, from the guests to the menu. Your attention to the small stuff will help them see how much you love them.

Hugs and Sweet Touches

Physical intimacy can be a good way of showing affection if it's wanted and welcome. Some people really like to touch, and some people aren't as focused on that. If your partner likes sweet touches, then a kiss on the cheek or a quick hug can be good ways to show love.

It doesn't have to be sexual, although that isn't always bad either. Hold hands or put an arm around them while you're on a walk. Touching thighs while sitting or putting a head on their shoulder are other ways. Be sure your partner wants your physical touches before you initiate. If they indicate they aren't interested, honor their wishes and stop until they are more receptive.

Say How You Feel

You may feel a lot of emotions, but if you don't say them, your partner won't always know how you feel. While romance novels talk about being able to see the love in someone's eyes, that's not very practical for everyday life.

Whether you've known your partner for a long time or just a few weeks, it's still hard to tell what someone is feeling. Let your partner know how you feel. Speak the words out loud, even if you feel awkward at first. The words will help them understand what's in your heart.

Consider Their Needs

Ask them their preferences about how to be affectionate. Just the act of finding out what they like shows that you care.

Once you know what they like, then you can fulfill their needs better by acting on those preferences. It can even help to say, "I care about you and I want to express love the way you need." Then they will know your motivation behind the question.

Help Them Out

Serve your partner by doing something on their to-do list for them. There are so many acts of service you can try:

  • Do the dishes
  • Sweep and mop the floor
  • Empty the trash
  • Mow the grass
  • Shovel the walk
  • Run an errand
  • Pick up dinner or groceries
  • Give the dog a bath

These are only a few ideas. The best ones are individual to your relationship based on hobbies, interests, and projects. Pay attention to your partner and ask about what they have going on to gain insight about where they could use your help.

Let Them Choose

If you're making a decision together, one of the best ways to show affection is deferring to them. Let your partner decide which restaurant to eat at or which movie to watch.

Even if they don't pick something enjoyable for you, you're demonstrating your love by agreeing and letting them have what they want.

Give Compliments

Take time to notice things about your partner that you admire or appreciate. Then tell what you noticed. If your partner does their hair differently or wears something new, you can tell her how she’s beautiful.

You can also give compliments about their actions and behaviors, rather than just how they look. Let your partner know how impressed you were with their tact in a social situation. Were they especially kind to someone they didn't have to show kindness to? Let them know how sweet it was.

Unplug

A great way to show your partner affection is to put your phone down and pay attention to them. Instead of paying half attention to what they're saying while you're typing a text message, put away the device and look at them while they're talking.

If you're on a date, you can leave your phone in the car. It shows your partner that you prioritize them and you care about paying attention to their needs and desires.

You may be surprised about what you notice, too. If you're paying more attention to your date, you'll notice small mannerisms and micro-expressions that you might not catch if you're looking at a screen all the time.

Expressions of Love

If you're not sure how to show love at first, the suggestions above can get you started. Yet there are so many ways to show someone you care.

Communicate with your partner and find out what they like and how they receive love. Explore these special expressions together.

Still looking for the right person? Find your perfect match today when you start dating with Promenad.