If rom-coms looked anything like real life, there would be far less impromptu beach vacations and far more waiting in line at the grocery store and suddenly remembering that you forgot to put on deodorant. Though being in love is undoubtedly magical, a relationship is still real life, and some days family drama and work meetings get in the way of roses and champagne. Of course, even on the busiest day, knowing how to make your partner feel special can be a great way to remind them how much they mean to you.
While lavish vacations and glamorous presents are nice (and surely quite welcome), showing your boo how special you think they are doesn't have to cost a thing. Maybe you send them a goodnight text wishing them sweet dreams or clean up the kitchen after they head to bed. Whether you invite their little brother over for dinner or stop by their work with snacks when they have a long meeting. Giving your boo a little extra loving comes in all shapes and sizes.
Elite Daily asked 15 people about the ways they make their partner feel loved, and what they said is even better than a rom-com.
I like to meet up with him on his lunch break. We both keep pretty busy schedules, but I like to try to go out of my way to see him.
— Mora, 24
I like to make her bed when I stay over her house and clean up. I'll wipe down the kitchen counters and sweep up.
— Jenna, 26
I want my partner to know that I'm thinking about him even when we're not together, so I like to send him sweet texts during the day or even put postcards in the mail. Sometimes, I'll leave love notes in places that I know he'll find, like in his wallet or by the doorway.
— Alesin, 22
Dependability is really big for my girlfriend. I think, in the past, she dated people who were never on time or always really flakey. If I say that I can go to something, I make it my business to be there, on time, no questions asked. And if something does come up, I try to be as transparent as possible about my schedule.
— Jonah, 24
I send my girlfriend flowers a lot. Or I'll just pick some up at the grocery store.
— Keenan, 26
I try to invite her brother out to things with us and have been working on getting closer to her family. I know it means a lot to her, and I'm happy to see her happy.
— Zo, 27
I remind him I’m in his corner. Like he was sick this week, so I drew him a bath and lit some candles and let him soak and sweat it out while I made tea. We don’t have a lot of money to do big things, like go out to eat or buy gifts (though I love gift-giving!), so special moments of care are more about putting the needs of the other before your own and making sure we’re both doing OK.
— Lu, 27
I think the best way to make your partner feel special is by fully understanding and believing that they are special. I try to remind him how much joy he brings me. And I like to share my happiness with my friends and family. And I brag about him to anyone that will listen, you know?
— Cameron, 21