Do you sometimes catch yourself relating to your partner more like responsible roommates than adoring partners? Have you lost that feeling of treasuring each other that was so palpable when you first got together?

It’s so common for fondness and admiration to fade into the background when you’ve been together for years. Life gets busy, responsibilities pile up, and it becomes easy to take each other for granted.

But you can reawaken that sense of cherishment in your relationship with some thoughtfulness and effort. When you consciously make your partner feel special, appreciated, and valued again, that loving spark is revived.

Here are some ways to make your partner feel cherished again:

Give Your Full Presence

Don’t just be physically present – be emotionally present. Put away distractions, make eye contact, ask thoughtful questions, truly listen. Soaking in the pleasure of each other’s company makes your partner feel like your priority.

One husband we coached designates his commute home from work as “transition time” so he can be fully mentally available for his wife in the evenings. She says his undivided attention makes her feel so cherished.

Acknowledge Their Efforts

Express sincere gratitude for all the little ways they contribute – thank them for handling chores you hate, making dinner when you’re tired, scheduling date nights. Appreciating their efforts vocalizes that you notice and value what they do.

Celebrate Their Passions

Take interest in the hobbies and activities that light them up. Ask questions, learn terminology, offer to join them sometime. Your curiosity about the things they geek out over makes them feel “gotten” in the best way.

One girlfriend surprised her partner with VIP tickets to a huge comic book convention he’d always wanted to attend. Her willingness to support his nerdy side in such a big way made him feel so loved.

Give Thoughtful Gifts

Let them know you’re thinking about them when you’re apart with sweet gifts – flowers, their favorite coffee drink or a candy bar, a book you think they’ll love. It doesn’t have to be expensive – just thoughtful.

One woman leaves her husband silly trinkets and treats referencing inside jokes – it always makes him laugh and feel appreciated.

Revisit Cherished Memories

Spend time reminiscing over fond moments in your relationship – your wedding day, family vacations, when you got your first pet together. Recalling meaningful memories awakens that sense of treasuring your shared journey.

If you need more help rekindling that feeling of being cherished, our Light Your Spark program can lend a hand. Visit www.lightyoursparks.com to learn more!

You have so much power to make your partner feel adored just by consciously expressing appreciation.