Whether you’ve been in a relationship for a long time or have been dating different people for years, it’s never a bad idea to go the extra mile by becoming more educated about how to cultivate a healthy, long-term relationship. In this digital era, many old-fashioned aspects of relationships have become part of the past. That being said, there are some things that will never die out when it comes to romanticism. If you’re looking for gift ideas, or just for ways to create more special moments with your sweetheart, read on for some gift ideas and relationship tips that won’t let you down.
1. Listen carefully, and always be honest.
The best gift that you can give someone with whom you’re hoping to be in a long term relationship is the gift of honesty. Truthfully, there’s no better way to cultivate a healthy relationship than by listening to your partner’s needs and expressing your own. Of course, this should always be done with respect and care, but also on a regular basis. Don’t wait until Valentine’s Day to have a heart-to-heart. The best way to keep your relationship healthy is by engaging in continuous communication. That way, you’ll have the relaxation that comes with knowing you are romantically involved with someone who hears and sees you.
2. Give thoughtful gifts, and not just for Valentine’s Day.
Sure, giving a gift on Valentine’s Day is important, but that doesn’t mean that you should limit your romantic gifts to the month of February or the holiday season. A romantic surprise is always welcome, and little, unique gifts can keep the spark alive. Maybe it’s a box of chocolate that you know she loves or a gift card to her favorite bookstore or clothing store. If you’re looking to surprise your girlfriend with a gift, the best way to really come up with a romantic gift that will make her swoon is to keep little mementos as your relationship progresses. Keep any handwritten letter you or her might have sent, as well as any mementos you might have from your first date. While these might seem silly, they’ll be a big deal to your sweetheart.
3. Always go the extra mile—from morning ’till night.
The romantic idea behind this tip is that if your sweetie feels like you think she’s the best thing since sliced bread, she’ll be satisfied with your relationship. Make sure that there is absolute clarity between the two of you on this point. This is especially true if you’re trying to figure out the perfect way to propose.
Consider taking her to her favorite place, maybe on a special occasion, and buying a few special gifts, in addition to the engagement ring you pick out. When picking out the engagement ring itself, make sure to check her ring size, and don’t settle for a ring that’s anything less than a work of art. A filigree engagement ring set in yellow gold, rose gold, or white gold, with gemstones around the center diamond, will sparkle and make the proposal be the best ever. Remember, this isn’t just any piece of jewelry—it’s your engagement ring, so you want to make sure you really go the extra mile on this one.
4. Show affection, and pay attention.
Showing affection doesn’t have to be super complex. Laying your hand on her back, getting reservations to her favorite restaurant, sending a text to tell her you’re thinking of her—these are all great gifts to get your sweetie. Quality time can be an excellent choice for a great gift, especially if your daily life gets hectic. The first thing you should do is think about what will make her glow. Whether that’s a scavenger hunt or a picnic with strawberries and champagne, do whatever makes a regular day into a special day for the both of you.
At the end of the day, working on a long term relationship isn’t about the total carat weight of the diamonds in your engagement ring, and it’s not just about the romantic gifts you buy. It’s about listening, trying to make your boyfriend or girlfriend feel special, and finding the best way to show how much you care.
