MFMThe modern dating and relationship community’s perspectives on “gender roles” and expectations have changed dramatically. There is a lot of pressure on men to be providers and protectors and cater to the woman’s every need. Although there is some truth to those responsibilities, many men (and women) assume that means paying all the bills, supplying a massive home, and showering her with elaborate gifts.
Contrary to popular belief, showing love and appreciation for your partner doesn’t have to break the bank. When you’ve found “the one,” she understands this and is grateful to receive expressions of love from you in various ways. Below are a few suggestions.
Loving Messages
Words of affirmation are a common love language for women. Hearing or reading messages from someone they care for can lift their spirits and boost confidence. You can slip a handwritten note on her desk, car, or coat pocket or send her a loving text message, meme, or video showcasing how you feel about her.
Social Media Shoutout
Social media is a significant part of most people’s lives. They often use these platforms to communicate with friends and family and share their experiences. If your partner uses social media, you can show your appreciation by expressing your love for everyone to see.
Find a nice snapshot of you and your partner and add a few words of gratitude. If you have some time and want to be more flashy, you can create a photo album and add a playlist to the post so your followers can view pictures and hear your favorite songs in the background.
Then tag your partner and upload it to your social media page. She’ll be so happy to receive a notification, read the post, and view all the comments from your friends and family.
Lighten Her Load
If your partner leads a hectic lifestyle with many responsibilities, show her you care by lightening her load. Here are a few examples:
- Handle transportation for the kids
- Complete the household chores
- Cook dinner (if you’re not a chef, you could order takeout or purchase a meal delivery service kit, which makes prepping and cooking easier.)
- Run errands
- Assist with a personal or business project
Ask About Her Day (And Stay Engaged)
It’s not uncommon to feel like your day is monotonous or that your efforts go unacknowledged. Sometimes, all you need to feel better is to have someone express interest in your daily activities. After a long day at work, ask her about her day. Then remain engaged and listen as she shares her highs and lows. Offer advice, affirm, and inquire as needed to show her you care. Making it a regular conversation strengthens your relationship by keeping you connected to what’s going on in each other’s personal lives.
Small Gifts
Of course, there is nothing wrong with showering your partner with an occasional gift. However, you don’t have to spend more than you can afford. Sometimes the smallest presents have the most significant meaning. A pair of huggie earrings, a new cardigan, free lunch, a wellness product, or even something she’s into, like a book, puzzle, or art supplies, can be all she needs to feel loved.
Something From The Heart
The best expressions of love come from the heart. Think about your talents, skills, and abilities. How can you use those things to give your lady a meaningful present? For instance, if you sing or play a musical instrument, you can serenade your lady with an original piece (or her favorite song). If you’re a carpenter or construction worker, you could make your partner something unique, like a built-in shelf in the office or a nameplate for her desk. She’ll appreciate the gesture because you made it with love.
Don’t allow modern-day perspectives of what a man is “supposed to do” to please his partner cause you to go bankrupt. Money doesn’t buy love or happiness and shouldn’t be high on your significant other’s priority list. There are various affordable and meaningful ways to keep her smiling and express your true feelings.
