There are many ways to put a smile on your spouse’s face. Surprising them with an impromptu massage or hug or giving words of reassurance are only two of the many ways you can cheer up your partner.
Whether a display of grand gesture or a small act of kindness, an unexpected gift from a spouse always elicits delight.
According to Psychology Today, the thought of giving and helping others is human nature. In most cases, it encourages the production of ‘feel good chemicals’ such as dopamine, oxytocin, and serotonin—making it beneficial for both the giver and the receiver.
So, if you want to feel happy by making your significant other feel good, surprise them. Not sure how? We’ve curated the most common ways to show your spouse how you feel.
1. Say It With Flowers
The fragrance and colors of various flowers can instantly make us feel good. It may be hard to believe, but fragrant flowers have the ability to elicit good memories, especially among the elderly. Flowers can also be delivered to your loved one wherever he or she may be, to up your ante in the surprise game, according to The Bouqs.
2. Give Your Undivided Attention
Relationship counselor Dr. Gary Chapman says there are five ‘love languages’, or the manner in which each of us prefers to be loved. Intuitively, you’ll know how your partner wants to be loved through the ways he or she expresses it.
One of the five languages involves spending quality time with your significant other. Unplugging from your gadgets to focus on your spouse, having meaningful conversations, or whisking them away for an out-of-town trip, will undoubtedly cheer them up.
Physical touch, words of affirmation, acts of service, and receiving gifts round up the rest of the Five Love Languages.
3. Leave Love Notes In Unexpected Places
If your partner loves surprises, make random handwritten notes. You can write down the things that you love about your spouse or express how you feel about them at the moment.
These small notes show that you’re thinking about your partner and that they matter, no matter how busy you may be at work. Stick a love note on his notebook or her lunch bag. See how it lights up your spouse’s face when they discover the message.
4. Give Them A Big Hug
Besides making others feel good instantaneously and showing them that you care, a tight and heartfelt hug could trigger several health benefits. A study revealed increased frequency of hugs with a partner might help reduce heart rates and blood pressure because of the steeper levels of oxytocin release. The study also showed women were affected more than men.
Hugging your partner on a bad day shows your spouse they can rely on you in both good and bad times. Hugs can reduce stress and anxiety and may even tone down pain.
5. Whip Up A Special Dish
There’s nothing better than coming home to a home-cooked meal. Although some wives or husbands view cooking as a regular, boring chore, enjoying a special dinner with your loved one could help reboot or ignite your relationship. Prepare his or her favorite dish and arrange the table to look like an expensive space at a restaurant.
If you’re not a kitchen genius, ask your partner’s family member for some tips about a meal. Research the instructions online and give it your best shot. Don’t worry if your dish isn’t perfect. Your partner already appreciates you for going through all the journey to make the meal special.
6. Hand Your Spouse A Present
Choosing a special present such as a wedding anniversary gift requires careful consideration, even if you’ve known your spouse for decades. A spouse may feel rather unvalued if you can’t hit the bullseye by handing out a gift that’s doesn’t reflect his or her needs, wants, or wishes.
A ‘just because’ present has the same importance as a gift the commemorates a milestone. Even if you’re giving a surprise gift, make sure you’ve given enough thought before handing it over to your partner. For instance, if your spouse’s favorite pair of sneakers shows signs of wear, don’t wait for an occasion before buying a new pair.
7. Surprise Your Partner With A Relaxing Massage
Massages are great for rest and relaxation. Besides reducing stress, if done regularly, massages are believed to improve blood circulation, lower blood pressure, and boost the immune system, if done regularly.
If you want your partner to feel better after a busy day, knead, squeeze, or roll their tired muscles. It doesn’t matter if you’re not a trained therapist; once you start getting your hands on your lover’s skin, they’ll no doubt instantly feel better.
8. Organize A Girls’ Or Boys’ Night Out
In relationships, it’s healthy to spend time away from each other. And, apart from ‘me’ time, each of you needs to spend time with your friends. Instead of disappearing from your circle at the onset of your romantic relationship, continue to foster your relationship with your besties.
A good partner should be able to acknowledge the benefits of having true friends. Your lover shouldn’t be jealous if you’re spending time with your pals now and then.
Hence, surprise your loved one by inviting his or her friends for a backyard barbeque or a camping adventure and see their face light up once they find out.
9. Verbal Compliments Can Do Wonders
If you’re not the type who’s vocal about your feelings for your loved one, surprise them by casually slipping in brief messages about what you like or how you feel about them into your everyday conversations. You could read your favorite romantic poem in front of them after they’ve gotten out of the shower or while kissing them goodbye before leaving.
Make and maintain eye contact while saying your affirmation to your beloved to make the moment feel more intimate and sincere.
Wrapping Up
There are many ways to show your lover how much you care about them. Surprising them with presents, whether material or intangible puts a spark back to relationships and conveys to your spouse how you feel about them.
You don’t have to spend much to keep your partner happy. After all, when it comes to gift-giving, it’s always the thought that counts.