Expressing love isn’t always straightforward, especially when your efforts don’t seem to resonate with your partner. Everyone has their own way of giving and receiving love, so discovering how your partner prefers to be loved can strengthen your relationship and ensure your affection is truly felt.
This topic was further discussed in an article by Mind Body Green. They asked relationship experts and therapists, including our very own Dr. Dana McNeil, LMFT, PsyD, about how someone can show someone that they love them.
As for Dr. McNeil, a simple gesture of saying ‘Thank you’ goes a long way. Sometimes, partners tend to forget this simple yet really important form of appreciation. She explains:
It could be because we’re stuck in a “negative sentiment override” pattern, in which we assume the worst intentions from our partners. The good news is that it’s possible to break the cycle by making an effort to think of your relationship and your partner in a positive way, then acting on that positive sentiment. You can subvert negativity by thanking your partner when they do something for you, writes McNeil. No matter how big or small, a heartfelt thank you always goes a long way.
To show someone you love them, it’s important to understand how they prefer to receive love. From there, continue doing what works while exploring new ways to show affection, whether through more verbal compliments, physical touch, or thoughtful gestures like small gifts to show you care.
You can read the full article here.