How to Make Your Girlfriend Feel Special: 35 Gestures that Show Love

Taking your girlfriend for granted is never okay. Learn how to make your girlfriend feel special and help to take your bond to the next level.

how to make your girlfriend feel special and loved

Learning how to make your girlfriend feel special is something you should always be thinking about. And it’s always a good idea to improve your boyfriend skills.

Many men know how they feel towards their girlfriends, but they have problems showing love and appreciation.

On TV, we see people buying their partners’ cars or houses. How can a normal guy live up to those standards? But that’s not how you show love and appreciation. Sure, your girlfriend would probably love a fancy car, but those big gifts don’t mean that much at the end of the day.

Showing your feelings through sweet gestures, understanding, and support means so much more than a pricey trinket.

So, stop trying to live up to some unrealistic Hollywood expectation for making your girlfriend feel special and try something else. [Read: How to make your girlfriend happy and feel like the luckiest girl ever]

Why you need to make your girlfriend feel special

You may think your girlfriend already knows how you feel because you say, “I love you.” You kiss her before you head to work. And you did a lot of sweet things in the beginning. But, how are you sure she still knows?

People’s feelings change all the time. And relationships can get stale when you aren’t taking active measures to keep the love alive.

Learning how to make your girlfriend feel special is a key part of maintaining a happy and healthy relationship. Without making her feel special, she will feel the opposite. You don’t want her to think you are just used to her. Make sure she knows how you feel by showing her. [Read: How to keep the love alive in a relationship even when it flickers]

Keep your relationship fresh and loving

When couples have been together for a long time, they often grow apart. It happens to the best of us, but it doesn’t have to be that way. You can show your partner just how much you care by doing little things to make her happy and keep the relationship alive.

When you take the first step toward showing your lady how much she means to you, you start a chain reaction that knows no end. She is sure to be so overwhelmed with love and gratitude for the thoughtfulness you’ve shown that she’ll return the love and affection.

It’s easy to forget that a good relationship doesn’t just happen. It takes WORK! There is more happiness to be found in a relationship when both partners believe that giving is much better than receiving. There is no place for taking each other for granted. [Read: A true story of giving and teenage unconditional love]

How to make your girlfriend feel special and loved

What girls remember most are those small acts that you do for them. When having a bad day at work, you want to go home and have dinner ready and waiting. When you need comfort, reading a sweet love note feels amazing.

Expensive trips and fancy gifts are nice and all, but they don’t show someone’s feelings. They aren’t vulnerable or genuine.

Really paying attention and making those small gestures are what make your girlfriend feel special. Follow these tips if you really want to show her you care. [Read: The 35 sweetest text messages for your girlfriend are guaranteed to make her day]

1. Send unexpected texts

We’re all addicted to our phones, so you might as well dedicate a few minutes of your screen time towards your partner.

Send her out-of-the-blue text messages, reminding her that you’re thinking of her and that she means a lot to you. This is one of the best ways to learn how to make your woman feel special.

2. Get off your phone

If a guy really likes you, he’ll pay attention to you, and the things you say when you spend time together. Do you check your Facebook when your girlfriend’s saying something? Are you busy responding to an email when your girl is talking about her day?

If you want your girlfriend to feel special when you spend time together, give her your time and undivided attention. Nothing beats that. [Read: 13 things a boyfriend should do to prove his worth]

3. Actively listen

We tend not to listen to each other when we’re talking. Instead, we’re waiting for our chance to reply. And this is the problem with people. But if you actively listen, it shows her that you care and are interested in what she has to say. [Read: 15 effortless small gestures that girls always notice and reciprocate]

4. Remember the small details

When someone remembers the small things about women, it makes them feel special. So, by actively listening and making the effort to remember the little details she tells you, you can let her know just how special she is to you and how much you care for her.

When learning how to make your woman feel special, remembering the small things goes a long, long way.

5. Show affection

You don’t need to ram your tongue down her throat to show her that you like her. This isn’t what we’re trying to get at.

Instead, show her other ways of affection, like hugging, holding hands, kissing her on the forehead. Sometimes these feel stronger than a french kiss. [Read: 16 non-sexual touches to make you feel connected and loved]

6. Surprise her

You don’t need to surprise her with a new car or an expensive piece of jewelry. But, if you want to know how to make your girlfriend feel special, you can create little surprises that will show her how you feel.

Plan a picnic for you two, surprise her with some movie tickets. These surprises don’t need to be big; the point is you thought about her.

7. Show your romantic side

Everyone has a romantic side, don’t think you don’t have that in you. You do have it in you; the thing is, you may not have exercised your romantic side yet. Now is the time!

Take her out on a date, make something for her, get a couples massage. Whatever it is, it just has to come from your heart. [Read: 23 foolproof relationship tips for men that’ll transform your love life]

8. Show respect

If you want her to feel special and let her know that she’s someone you really value and care for, then show her respect.

You chose to be with her, right? Since you chose her as your partner, then you should respect her. It’s such a basic need in a relationship, but you’d be surprised by how many people don’t respect their partners. [Read: How to show respect in a relationship and love each other better]

9. How well do you know her?

We can spend years with someone and not even know who they are. This is really sad. If you want her to feel special, then you need to get to know her. That way, you’ll know what things to do that’ll make her feel good. If you don’t know her, then how can she ever feel special?

10. Do small things for her

Big events don’t happen very often in our lives. Instead, usually, our regular days are full of small moments. But those are the moments that matter.

Going the extra mile doesn’t have to mean doing something big. It could mean cooking dinner after she had a bad day at work. [Read: Really sweet ways to show a girl how much you love her]

11. Show a little PDA

Of course, there’s a line when PDA becomes a little too much. You don’t need to dry hump her leg in public to show her you care.

But little acts of PDA show her you’re proud to be next to her. Hold her hand, give her sweet kisses. They are not over the top and will make her feel good.

12. Make her laugh

Sometimes, cheering her up is all she needs to know you care. Tell her a joke. Make a funny face. Show her a meme. Whether she is bored, upset, or just in a mood, making her laugh will show that you love to see her smile.

13. Tell her what you feel

This seems simple, but it isn’t always. Tell her how you feel. Some people love to see how you feel with hugs and help, but others just want the words. Say them out loud, write them down, even sing them if that is your style. [Read: What does it mean to be vulnerable? 15 ways to open up to your girl]

14. Kiss her like you mean it

You have sex, and you kiss before work. But really kiss her like you mean it.

Before you leave, kiss her hard and passionately, like you used to before you lived together. This will take her off guard and remind her that the chemistry is still alive.

15. Say thank you

Say thank you for her making dinner. Thank her for being her. Show your appreciation for all she does. It is easy to get used to her doing the laundry or picking up your dry cleaning, or even grabbing your favorite snack at the store.

Saying thank you is such a small and easy thing that makes such a difference in making your girlfriend feel special. Learning how to make your woman feel special often comes down to the tiny details over the big gestures. [Read: How to be grateful – 20 authentic ways to appreciate and express it]

16. Compromise

Give in once in a while. You don’t have to move to Texas because she wants to, but watch her favorite movie and let her pick the couch color.

Sometimes, just letting her have her way for the small stuff shows her you put her happiness above your own convenience. [Read: How to compromise in a relationship without feeling like you’re losing something]

17. Think before you react

Yes, doing nice things is wonderful, but not doing mean things is just as important. If you are upset because you had a bad day, breathe before you walk in the door and take it out on her.

If she made you mad because she shrunk your favorite shirt, relax and respond appropriately. Not lashing out is just as vital to the health of a relationship as being sweet.

18. Play with her hair

This is such a small act that will give her the good kind of goosebumps. When you’re watching TV or reading or just cuddling, stroke her hair. It will mean more than you realize. [Read: 15 effortless and small gestures that your girlfriend will always notice]

19. Cook for her

whether you are a five-star chef or not, cook for her. Make her something simple like grilled cheese or go all out. Just putting in the effort, no matter your skill level, will make her feel special.

20. Look at her

This sounds silly, but hear us out. Your girlfriend will feel immediately special if she catches you just staring at her.

You love her. Take time to just look at her and think of how lucky you are. A lot can be said in just a look. Take advantage of that. [Read: How to be a good boyfriend – 33 traits that’ll make you the best ever]

21. Tell her how great she looks or smells

Don’t just assume she knows you find her attractive. Tell her how great you think she looks or smells, especially if you know she’s taken extra pains to do so.

Everyone loves to be complimented, and she likes to make you happy, so make it a point to let her know that you appreciate her efforts. Learning how to make your woman feel special means telling her how much you find her attractive.

22. Leave her random love notes

Women love surprises, and finding a heartfelt love note unexpectedly is a fabulous way to surprise her. It doesn’t have to be a long, drawn-out pouring of emotion.

Just a sticky note with a few words of love scrawled across it and placed inside her coat pocket will do. When she finds it, she’ll brag to her friends and co-workers about what a wonderful partner she has. [Read: 50 really cute one liners to say to your girlfriend]

23. Remember the names of her friends

One of your jobs in a relationship is to listen when your partner talks. It can be hard to do, especially when the things she talks about don’t involve you directly.

However, remembering her friends’ names instead of referring to them in ways like “the one with the big nose” lets her know that you listen when she speaks. [Read: How to make new friends as an adult – 15 ways to do it right]

24. Pick up after yourself

If you’re in a relationship, the caveman mentality will not fly. She isn’t your maid, either. There are three scenarios here that may apply:

a. You live in your own place. If she visits, she’ll like that you keep it clean.

b. You live together. She’ll really appreciate you doing your share to keep the place clean.

c. She lives in her own place. If you spend time there, it is extremely important that you pick up after yourself and leave it the way you found it. This alone could make or break the relationship.

It’s simple, really. Clean up after yourself, no matter the situation, and she’ll really appreciate it. [Read: 19 typical boyfriend traits that really annoy girls]

25. Communicate

Men are not known for wearing their hearts on their sleeves. However, she’s not a mind reader, so if you really want to get on her good side, let her know how you’re feeling once in a while.

She’ll like that you are comfortable enough with her to open up.

26. Don’t use guilt trips to get what you want

Pressuring your woman into doing something she doesn’t want to do never turns out well. She may eventually give in and do what you want, but she will resent you just a little bit because of it.

It doesn’t matter how big or small the issue is, don’t guilt her into doing it. [Read: Guilt tripping in a relationship – What it is and how to respond to it]

27. Let her control the TV remote for a change

You might not give two shakes about who’s sleeping with who on her favorite show, but she does. You’ll score points if you let her choose what to watch on TV once in a while. Actually sit down and watch with her, and you’ll score major points and maybe even get to pick the next movie you two see.

28. Give her a massage with no strings attached

Whether she’s had a hard day or not, massaging her neck and shoulders is a great way to help her relax. You’re probably thinking, “Why would I need to be reminded to touch my partner?” but think about it.

When was the last time you massaged her shoulders without suggesting it go further? Yeah, we thought so. Do it. She’ll appreciate the non-sexual gesture. [Read: 48 cute and romantic things to do with your girlfriend she’ll love]

29. Get her something, just because

If you’re running into the convenience store to grab a cup of coffee, get one for her too.

Getting up to get something to drink or eat? Be sure to bring something back for her too. She may not have actively wanted anything, but she’ll love your thoughtfulness.

30. Use the manners your mama taught you

Women still love old-fashioned treatment and manners really cost nothing. Open doors for her, pull out her chair, and let her order first at a restaurant.

These little things show that you respect her and will put a smile on her face. Time and time again, when learning how to make your woman feel special, the old-school ways always work! [Read: What is chivalry? The real meaning, the Knight’s Code, and modern men]

31. Go shopping with her

We’ll never understand why guys find it so hard to go shopping with their women, especially when they aren’t doing anything anyway.

If you’re not busy and she wants to go to the mall, go with her. Help her pick out clothes that look great on her and offer to carry her bags. Just don’t complain while on the shopping trip – behave like you want to be there and you might be surprised with her appreciation later on.

32. Consider her feelings

You want to know how to make your woman feel special? Take her feelings into account with everything you do. It’s far too easy in relationships to be selfish, but that’s the fast-track to problems.

Before you do anything, just think about how it affects her. Then, weigh up what you’re doing with both of you in mind. [Read: How to court a woman – The real meaning and 23 gentlemanly ways to woo her every day]

33. Don’t make everything about sex

Okay, so we know not all guys are the same, but when was the last time you did something nice for her without expecting it to lead somewhere? Do something nice for her just because you can.

We mentioned massages earlier, but it can be anything. As long as you don’t make everything about sex, you’ll show her that you love her for the person she is first and foremost.

34. Show her off a little

One of the best ways to make your woman feel special is to tell everyone how much you adore her. Guys might not love raving about their personal lives to their friends, but there’s nothing wrong with taking your partner out with you and telling everyone how happy you are to be by her side.

Pay her plenty of attention and hold her hand, smile at her and talk to her. Show her off and she’ll feel a million dollars. [Read: How to show off your girlfriend on social media in a way that she’ll adore]

35. Tell her how you’re proud of her

When was the last time you told her that you’re proud of her? Most women juggle ten balls in the air in life – family, work, love, perhaps children, and she’s doing all of this and still being the amazingly gorgeous woman she is.

Tell her you’re proud and mean it. Look at all the things she does and see how fantastic she is. No more taking her for granted *if you do* and make sure she knows how amazing you think she is. [Read: 25 best relationship topics to talk about if you want to be happy]