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10 Ways to Show You Care
Allison Bloom, 04.26.05
"Remind each other how much you care by taking a break from the stresses of every day life." |
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Everyone knows the power of those three little words: "I love you." But maybe you're not at that stage with your significant other — or you want to find a creative way to express how you feel and make your honey feel good. It doesn't have to be something expensive or time consuming. It can be easy as saying a few sweet words or picking out a small token of your affection. Here's our list of 10 simple ways to show you care.
- Don't Wait for Valentines Day
Instead of waiting for a holiday to show your significant other how you feel, try celebrating your relationship on any random day. Have a weekly anniversary on the same day you met, or make each other valentines in the middle of the summer. "It's a way of saying thank you for being you," says Christina, 18.
- Make a Mix CD
Nothing beats a gift that comes straight from the heart. Spend some time compiling songs that remind you of your loved one or arrange them in a way that tells the story of your relationship. A custom mix is an inexpensive, yet priceless treasure.
- Be Spontaneous
"Keeping things fresh in a relationship is key," says Kyle, 17. When you've been dating someone for a while things can start to feel routine. Bring back those sparks by mixing in the unexpected. Surprise your significant other with an impromptu kiss, a new activity, or a special gift.
- Find Different Ways to Say "I Love You"
There are many ways to show love and affection, and saying "I Iove you" is just one of them. Go out of your way to be considerate by bringing your girlfriend her favorite ice cream or helping your boyfriend with his homework. You can even learn to say "I love you" in a different language.
- Make Time for a Time Out
"Remind each other how much you care by taking a break from the stresses of every day life," says Katherine, 20. School, homework, and family obligations can be time consuming, but that doesn't mean your relationship has to suffer. Take time out from your schedule by scheduling a picnic, a hike, or even a walk in the park.
- Send a Love Letter the Old-Fashioned Way
E-mail and instant messages are how most of us communicate these days, but hand-written letters can mean a lot. Composing a non-digital letter with a personal touch shows creativity and caring.
- Make Movie Night Your Own
"Cuddling together in a blanket while watching TV or a movie is so romantic," says Jennifer, 18. Turn a typical Friday night at the cineplex into a home theater extravaganza. Show a movie marathon of your SO's favorite films, pop your own kettle corn, and whip up a batch of fresh-baked cookies.
- Get Creative
Who says you're too old for arts and crafts? Try painting pictures of each other, stringing together matching bracelets, or framing a cute photo. Working on a project as a couple can really enhance your partner skills.
- Make Mini-Sacrifices
Even though you and your significant other may have a lot in common, you probably also have a lot of different tastes and opinions. Offering to take part in an activity that you don't usually go for, but your SO really enjoys, can be a nice gesture. "It tells them that you really care about them," says Dave, 14. Are you always dragging your boyfriend to horror movies when he favors comedies? Treat him to a screening of the latest Adam Sandler movie some time.
- Open Your Heart
Gifts and dates are great, but at the end of the day what really matters is your ability to communicate your feelings. Sharing your hopes and dreams, and listening in return, is a brave way to keep your relationship honest. Opening yourself up is one of the easiest ways to get closer to your honey and show you care!
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