Listen up, lovebirds.
If you are in a relationship, or even thinking about being in one, there is one golden rule you need to follow: make your partner feel wanted.
By this, I do not mean just sending them a heart emoji or liking their Instagram stories. I mean showing them that they really matter. Because, let’s be real, what is the point of dating someone if you just feel like any other name in their Snapchat streak?
Now, before you roll your eyes and insist that you already make them feel wanted, let’s talk about how to actually do that. Compliments? Cute, but they only go so far. Grand romantic gestures sound great in movies, but you do not have the budget for a private jet ride over the Eiffel Tower. The real way to make someone feel wanted? Acts of service. Yes, even the boring ones.
Nothing says “I care about you” quite like handling their least favorite task before they have to ask. Imagine your boyfriend groaning about math homework and, boom, you offer to help or your girlfriend complaining about her heavy backpack and, bam, you carry it for her like the Prince Charming you are.
It may seem small, but it is powerful. When you do something for someone, you are saying, “Hey, I see you. I care about you. I want to make your life just a little bit easier.” That, my friends, is what makes a relationship feel like home instead of just “something casual” when you text each other “wyd” five times a day.
Beyond keeping your partner happy, here is the real kicker–this betters their mental health. Life is stressful. School is stressful. Knowing that someone has your back in the smallest of ways but the most important of times makes all of that so much easier to handle. It gives people a sense of security and belonging.
Small actions can make a big difference. Picking up their favorite candy or sending a “good luck” text prior to a test can turn a mid-tier relationship into something extremely cherishable. People want to feel like they matter, and let’s be real–this is the secret to avoiding unnecessary drama and the dreaded “we need to talk” text.
So, this Valentine’s Day, put in the effort, show up for your person and enjoy the perks of being the one they cannot stop gushing about to their friends.
Follow Prisha (@hoodaprisha1209) and @CHSCampusNews on X.
