Relationships are one of the most fascinating aspects of our lives. However, sometimes, they can be extremely messy and leave you wondering where you went wrong. While every relationship is unique and there is no specific formula to make it work, you can try a few things that will surely make a difference. Today, I will discuss five underrated gestures that will allow you to show your partner – or even BFF – that you genuinely care about them with all your heart:
Hold Hands
A simple gesture, apparently, holding someone’s hand, is a powerful way to form a strong bond and elicit trustful feelings. Even science has proved the benefits of this tiny, everyday behavior. Holding hands does not only decrease stress levels in your body but also triggers several chemical reactions in your brain that release the love hormone, known as oxytocin. This hormone gives you the warm, tingly feeling inside and makes you feel loved and cared for. It also sends a signal to your brain that there is no danger or threat around you. In simple words, hand-holding is a great way to show that you are there for someone without actually saying it out loud.
Do Random Acts of Kindness
Small, random acts of kindness go a long way in strengthening your relationship. Whether it is doing a chore for your partner on your way to save them a trip, or surprising them at work with their favorite snack, everything matters when done with love. Non-verbal communication often has a stronger impact than words. It expresses how invested you are in a relationship to put in the effort, which may even go unnoticed at times but still matters.
Hugs, Hugs, and Hugs
Hugging is easily one of the most underrated gestures, and we certainly need to do more of it in all our close relationships. Hugging is a unique and beautiful way to reinforce your relationship and demonstrate that you are there for the other person. Just like holding hands, hugging releases oxytocin in the body and has several health benefits; including lowering blood pressure and stress hormone, the cortisol. You may not know, but there are different types of hugs that describe your relationship the best. Curiousmindmagazine.com explains them excellently.
Support Their Dreams
This is a non-physical gesture, but its power is beyond your imagination. Although supporting your loved ones’ dreams and ambitions may not sound like a big deal, it does carry immense capacity that defines your relationship. We all want someone who truly believes in us and aspires to see us successful without being envious or insecure. Standing beside your partner and encouraging them to work toward their passion – and even helping them do that – is the best kind of support you can extend to them. After all, it’s not every day that you come across someone who has got your back and wants to see you thrive without a personal agenda.
Communicate – Or ‘Listen’
You may think this doesn’t deserve to be on this list, but surprisingly it does. No matter how smooth or stressful your relationship is, openly communicating with the other person does wonders most of the time. Communication is a two-way street; when you talk, you also need to listen. Sadly, most of us feel we are not being listened to, but are we listening, as well? In the present time, we take communication more as expressing ourselves, when in fact it is quite the opposite. You cannot communicate well if you don’t know where your partner is coming from, and what are their concerns and feelings. Ask them, or get them to clarify whenever you feel you are missing out, and then put your point-of-view forward. Make sure you truly understand what is being said, so that your partner feels valued and listened to.
Wrap Up
Relationships require work and commitment, which is easier said than done. Small, meaningful steps like the ones described above often lead to more prominent and favorable outcomes. We just have to pay attention and put in the effort to reap the benefits.
