Buzz
In any loving relationship, it can sometimes be hard to find the time and make the effort needed to show your boyfriend just how much he means to you. If you feel like you've been neglecting him lately, it's important to make amends. Fortunately, there are many ways to let him know how much you care.
Steps
Through Romantic Gestures
Plan a Special Romantic Evening. One of the best ways to demonstrate your love for your boyfriend is by dedicating a whole evening to romance and affection.
- Have a Cozy Movie Night. Clean up the living room, light a few candles, and pick his favorite movie (hint: it’s probably not The Notebook). Prepare a selection of his favorite snacks—whether it’s popcorn, gummy bears, nachos, or whatever else he loves. Grab some pillows and a warm blanket to cuddle up with on the couch.
- Set Up a Romantic Picnic Under the Stars. Wait for a warm, clear evening and pack a picnic for the two of you to enjoy beneath the stars. Whether you choose wine and caviar or beer and beef jerky, it’s the thought that counts. Grab a blanket and head to the garden, park, or rooftop—bring along binoculars for a fun touch!
- Go All Out. Scatter rose petals on the bed, wear your most alluring lingerie, and light a variety of candles. If the mood strikes, serve champagne and chocolate-dipped strawberries. When he arrives home, call him to the bedroom in your sultriest tone, where you’ll be lying sensually across the bed, waiting for him. He’ll know exactly what to do next.
- If you really want to go the extra mile, we’ll provide more suggestions for special gifts and romantic words in upcoming sections.
Plan a day trip. Organizing a fun excursion for just the two of you is a wonderful way to show your man how much you care. Choose a destination that he will enjoy, and avoid dragging him to the nearest shopping mall!
- Hit the beach: If you live near the coast, a day at the beach is the perfect opportunity to spend quality time together. Go for a swim, play beach volleyball, or build a giant sandcastle. Even if the weather's chilly, exploring the sand dunes and breathing in the fresh ocean air while walking hand in hand is still enjoyable.
- Visit a gallery or museum. If your boyfriend appreciates culture, why not take him to an art gallery or museum? Check online to see which exhibitions are currently available—especially in larger cities, you'll find plenty of events to choose from. Afterward, treat him to a macchiato to complete the artsy experience!
- Take a hike. Hiking might not sound like the most romantic activity, but it can be a fantastic bonding experience, particularly if your boyfriend enjoys the outdoors. As long as it's not too challenging, a hike provides the perfect setting to talk and catch up. Plus, the view from the top may be perfect for a romantic kiss.
Cook his favorite meal. It may seem old-fashioned, but the saying "The way to a man's heart is through his stomach" holds a lot of truth. Besides the delicious meal, he’ll appreciate the thought and effort you put into preparing something special just for him.
- Consider what to cook—would he enjoy roast chicken and vegetables? A perfectly grilled steak? Or perhaps something simple like mac and cheese or spaghetti with meatballs?
- If you’re uncertain, why not ask his mom for a few ideas or even the exact recipes she uses? If you can cook like his mom, he’ll surely love you forever!
- Make the meal an experience—set the table with your best dishes and silverware. Light some candles, pour the wine, and play soothing background music.
- If you’re not much of a cook, you could order his favorite takeout. Just make sure to present it nicely—don’t serve it in the plastic containers!
Ina Garten, Television Personality & Cook
Cooking is an act of love. "Cooking is one of the great gifts you can give to those you love. It says 'you’re important enough to me to spend the time and effort to cook for you.'"
Offer him a relaxing massage. Giving your boyfriend a romantic massage is a great, intimate way to show appreciation. Not only will it help him unwind and release tension, but it might also get him in the mood.
- Prepare a calm environment for the massage. Your bedroom is a perfect spot—just lay down a towel to protect the sheets. Dim the lights and play soothing music.
- Ask him to remove his clothes (or leave his underwear on, if he prefers) and lie on his stomach. Start at his feet, moving up his legs, back, and shoulders, then work your way to his neck and head. Use firm pressure with long, relaxing strokes. For detailed tips on giving a great massage, check out this guide.
- Make sure to use massage oil to prevent friction, and let your hands glide smoothly over his skin. You can use a special massage oil or simple kitchen oils like sunflower or grape seed oil.
Show affection. One of the easiest and most effective ways to show your boyfriend you care is through physical affection. Both of you may be busy, but it’s important to remember the power of human touch, which can reignite the spark between you.
- Give him a passionate kiss before he heads to work—not just a quick peck on the cheek, but a long, meaningful kiss. Promise him another kiss when he gets home; he’ll be thinking about it all day!
- Surprise him with a big bear hug every now and then. Wrap your arms around him and give him a tight squeeze. Research shows that hugs increase serotonin levels, making both of you feel happier and calmer.
- Hold his hand while out and about, lean your head on his shoulder while watching TV, or run your fingers through his hair as he works. Don’t let yourselves fall into the trap of sitting on opposite sides of the room. Affection will bring you closer together.
Through Gifts
Gift him a cool gadget. While you don’t need to spend big bucks to show your love, sometimes it’s fun to splurge a little.
- Guys are huge fans of their toys, so gifting your boyfriend the latest gadget can score you some serious relationship points and show him how much you care.
- Consider options like the latest iPhone, a new PlayStation or Xbox, a remote-controlled helicopter, a big-screen TV, or even a model train set (if that’s his thing).
- If your budget doesn’t stretch that far, you can still impress him with smaller gifts. Think about a new video game, a stylish pair of headphones, or a portable mouse for his laptop. Extra points if it’s something he’s mentioned needing!
Create personalized coupons. If you’re on a budget or just want something more personal, why not make your boyfriend a booklet of custom coupons? These aren't your typical supermarket offers—think of coupons for romantic gestures or useful services.
- Ideas include "this coupon entitles you to a romantic massage" or "this coupon gives you a free pass from doing the dishes tonight". You can include fun, sexy coupons or ones for domestic tasks—the choice is yours!
- Use colored cards and fun pens to craft the coupons. If you're feeling creative, you could even decorate each coupon with pictures from magazines. For more ideas on what to write to show him you care, check out the next section.
- If you're not into DIY, you can find websites offering ready-to-go templates for personalized coupons—print them out for a polished look.
- He'll appreciate the thoughtfulness and effort you put into making a unique gift for him.
Look your best. Men are undeniably visual, so dressing up and looking great can be a big turn-on.
- However, every guy has different preferences. Some prefer more revealing outfits, while others go for a more casual and subtle look.
- The key is to avoid lounging around in old sweatpants and unkempt hair all the time. Show him that you still take pride in your appearance and want to look attractive for him.
- Keep your hair fresh and styled, moisturize your skin so it feels soft, wear a scent he loves, and pick clothes that highlight your best features.
- Avoid overdoing makeup, but a bit of mascara (to accentuate your eyes) and some non-sticky lip balm (for kissability) can go a long way.
Give him an unforgettable experience. Instead of a physical gift, treat your boyfriend to an extraordinary experience that he’ll remember forever (and earn yourself a spot as Girlfriend of the Year).
- If he’s into thrills, book an adrenaline-pumping activity like a skydive or bungee jump. These experiences are available for as little as $200, and you could even join him for extra fun!
- If he’s a car enthusiast, consider renting a Ferrari for the day so he can live out his James Bond fantasies. It might be a bit pricey, but totally worth it for the experience! Check out local car rental services to find something amazing.
- Alternatively, plan a getaway for the two of you. Think of a romantic trip to Paris, a wild weekend in Vegas, or a relaxing beach vacation in Cancún. For an added surprise, clear his schedule without telling him, and reveal the destination when you get to the airport!
Create a sentimental scrapbook. If you're someone who cherishes memories, consider making a personalized scrapbook or photo album for your boyfriend. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate the special moments you’ve shared.
- Start by gathering photos from the early days of your relationship up to now. Don’t forget to check your friends' Facebook pages for any candid shots you may have missed.
- Rather than just pictures of you both posing nicely, go for the ones where you’re laughing, being silly, making funny faces, and just enjoying each other's company. These are the moments that will bring a smile in years to come.
- Include small mementos that remind you of your relationship, like ticket stubs from your first movie date, a napkin from that quirky restaurant you visited, or a guitar pick you caught at a concert.
- Label each photo or keepsake with a nice pen, adding details like dates, locations, or funny anecdotes. Who knows? This scrapbook could be a family heirloom one day!
Through Words
Send flirty text messages. Even when you’re apart, you can still show your boyfriend that you're thinking of him by sending playful, loving, or even naughty text messages.
- This is a great way to keep the connection alive, especially when he’s busy at work or out with friends. It’ll remind him that you’re on his mind.
- A simple "I love you" or "I miss you" can go a long way, especially if he’s expecting something mundane like "Don’t forget to pick up milk!"
- If you want to spice it up a bit, something like "I can’t wait for you to come home so I can get you out of those clothes" will have him eagerly anticipating your reunion.
- And if you're feeling really bold, send a seductive photo of yourself in a revealing pose. Just make sure he’ll be alone when he opens it!
Give him sincere compliments. You know that warm feeling you get when your boyfriend compliments you? Well, he feels the same way when you tell him something nice. So don’t forget to acknowledge the good things about him every once in a while.
- Compliment his appearance with something like "You look great today", "That shirt really brings out your eyes", or "Those jeans make your butt look amazing"—he’ll appreciate it more than you know.
- Don’t just save the compliments for looks—be sure to praise him when he does something thoughtful. For example, if he cooks you dinner, say "Thank you so much for making this, it looks delicious!" even if it’s not perfect.
Write him a heartfelt love letter. A handwritten love letter is a classic gesture that still holds so much emotional value. It’s a tangible, lasting reminder of your feelings for him.
- There’s something timeless and deeply personal about pouring your heart onto paper. Unlike a text or email, it can’t be lost or deleted—it’s a keepsake for both of you.
- It doesn’t have to be on fancy stationery, though you can use beautiful paper if you like. What matters most is the sincerity of your words. If you need inspiration, look to famous writers, poets, or song lyrics.
- For a true romantic touch, put your letter in an envelope and mail it. Don’t tell him about it in advance—he’ll be pleasantly surprised when it arrives in his mailbox.
Be a good listener. Sometimes, all your boyfriend needs is for you to listen to him without saying or doing much at all. Being there for him in this way is a crucial part of any solid and healthy relationship.
- If he's hesitant to open up, try prompting him with simple questions like, "How was your day?" or "Did anything interesting happen at work?" Make sure you listen attentively and truly engage with his answers.
- Also, show an interest in what matters to him—whether it’s his favorite sports team, a work project, or family matters. A relationship works best when both partners invest in each other’s interests.
- By offering him your full attention, you'll make him feel understood and valued.
Speak from the heart! If you want your boyfriend to understand just how much you care, the best way is to tell him directly. Look him in the eyes, sit with him, and say the words you’ve been holding onto.
- Let him know you truly appreciate everything he does for you, and that you feel lucky to have found someone like him. He'll likely respond with the same words!
- If you're feeling extra bold, you could tell him he’s your perfect match and that you can't picture your future with anyone else. While it’s sweet, be aware that it might catch him off guard!
- Make sure to maintain eye contact when he talks to you—it shows you're truly engaged in the conversation.
- If you’re in a long-distance relationship, try to call him more frequently to stay connected.
- When he calls you sweet names like "baby girl" or "my love," consider stepping out of your comfort zone and giving him a cute nickname too—calling him "handsome" is an easy way to boost his confidence.
This advice is based on the shared experiences of Mytour readers like you. If you have any helpful tips you'd like to contribute, feel free to submit them in the space below.
- Surprise him with something completely unexpected. For example, set a random alarm on his phone with a sweet note attached. When it goes off, he'll get a heartwarming message when he least expects it.
- If you have a music player or app, try playing a slow song when you're together and ask him to dance. It’s a simple but memorable way to connect.
- If you're in a long-distance relationship, consider setting up FaceTime dates where you can enjoy a meal together or even read a book aloud to each other, making the distance feel a bit shorter.
