From giving compliments to celebrating achievements, there is no shortage of ideas to keep your relationship exciting and sweet. It only takes a bit of effort to strengthen and maintain your special bond.

God has demonstrated the numerous ways we can express love to one another. (John 13:34-35, Galatians 5:13-14) There are ways to romance your partner without being dramatic or mawkish.

Maintaining intimacy is essential to a healthy marriage. It requires effort to protect and preserve this precious gift. If you are not married, but dating, you can still practice and grow in your ability to love like Jesus.

Nicknames / Pet Names

What’s in a name? Much like how a hurtful term can sting, endearing nicknames can strengthen the bond in your relationship. The name should suit their personality or reflect the type of relationship you have. If you’re not sure what they would prefer, just ask or try a few until one sticks. Pet names may develop over time as your relationship grows.

Don’t be afraid to switch things up or use a pet name in reference to an inside joke. Pet names are fun, and are a great way to show your affection. If you want to avoid making others cringe over your lovey-dovey relationship, you can stick with more generic terms or simply use their given name in front of others.

Compliments

Who doesn’t like compliments? We could all use a confidence boost from time to time. Developing a habit of noticing and calling out the good in others can help you maintain a good relationship and attitude. However, authenticity is key – forced compliments can create distance and mistrust.

Likewise, avoid fishing for compliments or reacting negatively when someone gives you a compliment. Don’t get upset over what the person is not saying. For instance, if someone says, ‘You look very nice today,’ responding with ‘Did I not look nice yesterday?’ turned the compliment into an offense. Responding in a negative manner may discourage future compliments. If you want to foster a stronger relationship, express appreciation for their kind words.

Check-Ins

Show someone that you are thinking of them with a quick text or call. Start by asking how their day is going and actively listen to their response. To demonstrate attentiveness, reference previous conversations, showing that you remember and value the details of their life. The conversation doesn’t need to be very long, the purpose is to greet them and see how they’re doing.

Adding a follow-up question about a project, concern, or joy they shared earlier conveys not only your care but also helps to continue the conversation. By initiating these check-ins, you create a space for open communication, letting the other person know that their experiences and feelings matter to you.

Staying Connected

Another great way to stay connected is by bonding over shared interests. Whether you’re chatting about a common hobby, suggesting a good book or movie, or swapping stories from your day, these conversations build a bridge that links your worlds. If you come across something that reminds you of them or brings a smile to your face, don’t hesitate to share it with them.

Keeping the connection alive also involves sharing significant updates from your life or expressing your thoughts on various topics. This shows your willingness to be open and vulnerable. When you express curiosity about their opinions, it often paves the way for them to reciprocate and engage in deeper conversations.

Surprises

Please don’t scare your partner to death! Surprises don’t need to be extravagant, but they do take some effort on your part. Listen to your partner’s needs and wants, and look for opportunities to surprise them. Small acts of service, like taking care of a household task without being asked, or preparing a meal, can speak volumes about your commitment to their well-being. Remember, you don’t need a special occasion to express your love – it’s the everyday moments that count.

Express Affection

Don’t neglect showing physical affection, such as hugs, kisses, and holding hands (assuming you know what is and isn’t appropriate for your relationship). As some people’s love language is physical touch, a simple pat on the back could mean a lot to them.

Celebrate Achievements

Acknowledge and celebrate each other’s successes, no matter how big or small. This fosters a supportive and encouraging environment.

Quality Time

Every close relationship should always progress or be maintained. Dedicate quality time for each other without distractions. Whether it’s taking a class together, a weekend getaway, or a quiet evening at home, prioritize building up the relationship through shared experiences. Discuss what quality time means to each of you and strike a balance with activities that make both of you feel your time is well-spent.

Plan for the Future

Discuss and plan for the future together to reinforce a sense of partnership and commitment. These can be short-term goals, travel plans, or shared dreams.

A Sweet Conclusion

Learning how to incorporate sweetness in your relationship is a skill we should joyfully work to master. These thoughtful gestures help to create a nurturing environment that brings joy in everyday life. After all, it’s the little things that encourage a lasting and loving relationship. What unique gestures do you practice to show love to your partner?