“‘Tis not love’s going hurts my days, But that it went in little ways.” – Edna St. Vincent Millay

That is the story of love in many relationships. Love begins to leak from a tiny crack that grows bigger little by little, and before one knows it, the crack has become a big pothole that can swallow a car when the storms of this world come.

What am I trying to say? Small gestures of affection and appreciation can make a big difference in a romantic relationship.

If your partner likes open displays of affection, hold their hands, give them a hug, or say “I love you,” or call them ‘honey’.

These simple actions can help your partner feel valued and loved. It can bring back that romantic spark you saw in them at the beginning of the relationship, before they started feeling comfortable spoiling the air around you. LoL.

But as relationship expert Dale Carnegie advised in his book How To Win Friends And Influence People, don’t start too strong too suddenly, or they’ll become suspicious.

But I hear someone ask, “what if the partner is not the type that likes open displays of affection?” And I reply thus, “one can also show practical affection by expressing appreciation to their partner for even the little things they’ve done for them.” This can be as simple as saying “thank you” to her for making dinner or washing those dirty clothes. Saying thank you shows that you appreciate the little they have done.

And as a member of Igbo Defender Facebook Group Okoro Faith Oluchi says, ‘E too dike maka nke o mere, o nwe Ike imekwasi ozo,’ meaning if you praise someone for the good they have done, you have encouraged them to do more.

Nya gazie.


162 responses to “Small Things Matter In Keeping Love Alive”

  1. pink Avatar
    pink

    That is it, little gestures of affection and appreciation can make a huge difference in a relationship.

    1. oluchifaith Avatar
      oluchifaith

      That’s true.

      1. Martins Okey Avatar
        Martins Okey

        Very true

    2. Martins Okey Avatar
      Martins Okey

      True

    3. Martins Okey Avatar
      Martins Okey

      Indeed it can

    4. juicypromise2 Avatar
      juicypromise2

      You are right

    5. Confidence1 Avatar
      Confidence1

      Yeah

    6. Hum king Avatar
      Hum king

      You are right

  2. katepresh Avatar
    katepresh

    Yeah, small things really matters a lot

    1. oluchifaith Avatar
      oluchifaith

      Yes, they matter so much.

      1. Martins Okey Avatar
        Martins Okey

        Yeah

    2. Martins Okey Avatar
      Martins Okey

      You are right

  3. oluchifaith Avatar
    oluchifaith

    Wow! That’s it. Little gestures makes a spark in a relationship.

    1. Martins Okey Avatar
      Martins Okey

      Sure

    2. Hum king Avatar
      Hum king

      That’s right

  4. oluchifaith Avatar
    oluchifaith

    I’ve learnt to show appreciation to my partner in my relationship.

    1. Martins Okey Avatar
      Martins Okey

      Nice

  5. oluchifaith Avatar
    oluchifaith

    I’ve also chosen to appreciate people in general over the things they do for me.

    1. Martins Okey Avatar
      Martins Okey

      Good

    2. juicypromise2 Avatar
      juicypromise2

      That’s nice of you

    3. Hum king Avatar
      Hum king

      Is a good attitude

  6. Potal Avatar
    Potal

    We should learn to appreciate things, no matter how small it is.

    1. Confidence1 Avatar
      Confidence1

      Exactly

      1. Martins Okey Avatar
        Martins Okey

        Yeah

    2. Martins Okey Avatar
      Martins Okey

      You are right

    3. oluchifaith Avatar
      oluchifaith

      Absolutely!

    4. Hum king Avatar
      Hum king

      Is very important

  7. ugbochinonsodavid110 Avatar
    ugbochinonsodavid110

    Respect and feelings Matter a lot

    1. Martins Okey Avatar
      Martins Okey

      Exactly bro

      1. ugbochinonsodavid110 Avatar
        ugbochinonsodavid110

        Thanks bro

      2. ugbochinonsodavid110 Avatar
        ugbochinonsodavid110

        Thanks

        1. smart-in-ok Avatar
          smart-in-ok

          Yeah

    2. oluchifaith Avatar
      oluchifaith

      Exactly!

      1. ugbochinonsodavid110 Avatar
        ugbochinonsodavid110

        Okay

      2. ugbochinonsodavid110 Avatar
        ugbochinonsodavid110

        Yes

  8. Nnebabe1 Avatar
    Nnebabe1

    Exactly

    1. Martins Okey Avatar
      Martins Okey

      Yeah

  9. Nnebabe1 Avatar
    Nnebabe1

    That’s good

    1. Martins Okey Avatar
      Martins Okey

      Very good

  10. Nnebabe1 Avatar
    Nnebabe1

    Yes you’re right

    1. Martins Okey Avatar
      Martins Okey

      Yeah

    1. Martins Okey Avatar
      Martins Okey

      Lol

  11. Nnebabe1 Avatar
    Nnebabe1

    True talk

    1. Martins Okey Avatar
      Martins Okey

      Abi

  12. Nnebabe1 Avatar
    Nnebabe1

    Perfectly said

    1. Martins Okey Avatar
      Martins Okey

      Yeah

  13. Nnebabe1 Avatar
    Nnebabe1

    Excellent

    1. Martins Okey Avatar
      Martins Okey

      You can say that again

    1. Martins Okey Avatar
      Martins Okey

      Hahaha

  14. Stella Avatar
    Stella

    Appreciation always goes a long way

    1. Martins Okey Avatar
      Martins Okey

      True

    2. oluchifaith Avatar
      oluchifaith

      Yes, it does

  15. Stella Avatar
    Stella

    Little things matter and should not be taken for granted

    1. Martins Okey Avatar
      Martins Okey

      You are right

    2. oluchifaith Avatar
      oluchifaith

      Yes, you’re correct.

    3. Hum king Avatar
      Hum king

      You are right

  16. Stella Avatar
    Stella

    Use of kind words and warm gestures can melt a harden heart

    1. Martins Okey Avatar
      Martins Okey

      Absolutely

    2. oluchifaith Avatar
      oluchifaith

      I agree with you.

  17. Martins Okey Avatar
    Martins Okey

    When you love someone, you want to find as many ways to show them as possible. But sometimes, simply saying, “I love you” is just more than enough.

    1. oluchifaith Avatar
      oluchifaith

      As simple as that sentence may appear, it comes with a whole lot of weight.

      1. Martins Okey Avatar
        Martins Okey

        Yeah

  18. Martins Okey Avatar
    Martins Okey

    It is important to hug and kiss your partner when he/she comes back from work or journey, it makes them feel more loved

    1. Confidence1 Avatar
      Confidence1

      Awwn

      1. smart-in-ok Avatar
        smart-in-ok

        Yeah

  19. Martins Okey Avatar
    Martins Okey

    To add extra romance, take a surprise day off work to spend the day with your loved one, go for a picnic, watch a movie or play games together, it bonds tighter your relationship.

    1. Confidence1 Avatar
      Confidence1

      You have point there

      1. smart-in-ok Avatar
        smart-in-ok

        Thanks

  20. Martins Okey Avatar
    Martins Okey

    Small gifts from time to time is good for relationship

    1. oluchifaith Avatar
      oluchifaith

      Yeah! Some persons love language is gift.

      1. Martins Okey Avatar
        Martins Okey

        Yeah

    2. Confidence1 Avatar
      Confidence1

      Absolutely

      1. smart-in-ok Avatar
        smart-in-ok

        Yeah

  21. Martins Okey Avatar
    Martins Okey

    Brushing someone’s hair can be a very intimate and relaxing way to bond with a loved one.

    1. oluchifaith Avatar
      oluchifaith

      Are you serious? I’ve never known this.

      1. Martins Okey Avatar
        Martins Okey

        Try it and thank me later

      2. smart-in-ok Avatar
        smart-in-ok

        Hahaha

    2. Confidence1 Avatar
      Confidence1

      This is romantic

      1. smart-in-ok Avatar
        smart-in-ok

        Yeah

  22. Martins Okey Avatar
    Martins Okey

    Put together a playlist of songs that reminds you of your partner.

    1. oluchifaith Avatar
      oluchifaith

      Hmm! I’m going to give this a try.

      1. Martins Okey Avatar
        Martins Okey

        Good

  23. Martins Okey Avatar
    Martins Okey

    Cooking for your partner in general is a great way to show your appreciation

    1. oluchifaith Avatar
      oluchifaith

      Wooooo! What if the person is a bad cook?

      1. Martins Okey Avatar
        Martins Okey

        Cooking for your partner as a bad cook is the most romantic part of relationship, she’ll eat and scold you romantically.

    2. Confidence1 Avatar
      Confidence1

      Sure

      1. smart-in-ok Avatar
        smart-in-ok

        Yeah

  24. Martins Okey Avatar
    Martins Okey

    Helping with chores is a great way to impress a partner who enjoys acts of service.

    1. oluchifaith Avatar
      oluchifaith

      Exactly

      1. Martins Okey Avatar
        Martins Okey

        Thanks

    2. Confidence1 Avatar
      Confidence1

      Yeah

      1. smart-in-ok Avatar
        smart-in-ok

        Thanks

  25. Martins Okey Avatar
    Martins Okey

    Make breakfast in bed for your loved one is a great gesture in relationship

  26. Martins Okey Avatar
    Martins Okey

    Written or verbal compliments are great romantic gestures. Get creative with them.

    1. oluchifaith Avatar
      oluchifaith

      Absolutely

      1. Martins Okey Avatar
        Martins Okey

        Yeah

  27. Martins Okey Avatar
    Martins Okey

    Write a poem for them. It doesn’t need to be Shakespearean quality, even just a simple acrostic poem (where each line begins with a letter of their name, for example), would be a very cute way to show them you thought of them.

    1. oluchifaith Avatar
      oluchifaith

      Wow! You sound like a relationship coach.

      1. Martins Okey Avatar
        Martins Okey

        You are flattering me right? Hahaha

      2. smart-in-ok Avatar
        smart-in-ok

        Lol

  28. Martins Okey Avatar
    Martins Okey

    A single text message each day can make them smile.

    1. oluchifaith Avatar
      oluchifaith

      Hmm! Good

      1. Martins Okey Avatar
        Martins Okey

        Thanks

    2. Confidence1 Avatar
      Confidence1

      On point

  29. Martins Okey Avatar
    Martins Okey

    Whether you were gone on vacation or a work trip, bringing back a little gift for your partner will show them that you were thinking about them while away.

    1. oluchifaith Avatar
      oluchifaith

      Okay! I’m learning

      1. Martins Okey Avatar
        Martins Okey

        Hahaha

  30. Martins Okey Avatar
    Martins Okey

    Offering your partner the last bite of whatever you are eating will show them how much you care. After all, sharing is caring.

    1. oluchifaith Avatar
      oluchifaith

      Wow! This makes sense

      1. Martins Okey Avatar
        Martins Okey

        Thanks

    2. Confidence1 Avatar
      Confidence1

      Hmmm I need more of this quotes

      1. Confidence1 Avatar
        Confidence1

        Ride on

      2. smart-in-ok Avatar
        smart-in-ok

        Lol

  31. Martins Okey Avatar
    Martins Okey

    You don’t have to do this everyday, but waking them up with a cup of coffee will help them start their morning on the right foot.

    1. juicypromise2 Avatar
      juicypromise2

      Correct

      1. smart-in-ok Avatar
        smart-in-ok

        Thanks

    2. oluchifaith Avatar
      oluchifaith

      Awesome!

    3. Confidence1 Avatar
      Confidence1

      Yeah

  32. juicypromise2 Avatar
    juicypromise2

    Praise ur partner can make it partner happy

    1. smart-in-ok Avatar
      smart-in-ok

      Yeah

  33. juicypromise2 Avatar
    juicypromise2

    Always make ur partner feel special

  34. Martins Okey Avatar
    Martins Okey

    Often remind your partner the little reasons you love him/her.

  35. oluchifaith Avatar
    oluchifaith

    Constantly reminding your partner that you love him/her can strengthen your bond.

    1. smart-in-ok Avatar
      smart-in-ok

      Yes

  36. oluchifaith Avatar
    oluchifaith

    Telling your partner thank you after eating or after love making is another key.

    1. smart-in-ok Avatar
      smart-in-ok

      Yes

  37. Martins Okey Avatar
    Martins Okey

    Sometimes, the small romantic gestures that show love are not about action but inaction. Listening is one of the most meaningful things you can do in a relationship.

  38. Martins Okey Avatar
    Martins Okey

    When you go on dates and watch movies, talk about the future with the other person in mind and consider what you want together, it shows not just love but long-lasting love.

  39. Martins Okey Avatar
    Martins Okey

    You may not have to agree with each other on everything but when you take your partner’s opinions into consideration before doing something actually shows that you care.

  40. Martins Okey Avatar
    Martins Okey

    Most decent couples share time with each other’s friends on a occasional basis, your partner asking about your friends or even initiates plans with your friends or family says a lot about how much they care about your happiness.

  41. Martins Okey Avatar
    Martins Okey

    If you can offer to help or do something for your partner before being asked, it shows them how deep your love and connection is to them.

    1. Confidence1 Avatar
      Confidence1

      Yeah

      1. smart-in-ok Avatar
        smart-in-ok

        Thanks

  42. Martins Okey Avatar
    Martins Okey

    Going for a walk in the park, on the beach, or even down your street is a good idea.
    You will appreciate the conversation and time you’re spending together with no distractions.

  43. Martins Okey Avatar
    Martins Okey

    Tell each other not just “you look nice” but compliment their mind, sense of humor, dedication, loyalty, and work ethic.

  44. Martins Okey Avatar
    Martins Okey

    When you are deciding where to go for dinner, what movie to watch, etc. Letting them choose the venue and get their way is a healthy compromise.

  45. Martins Okey Avatar
    Martins Okey

    When there’s a misunderstanding whether little or large, just apologize.

    It can be tough to admit you were wrong but it feels really good to know you are back on the same page.

  46. Martins Okey Avatar
    Martins Okey

    Opening up about how you’re feeling to each other in a moment is indescribable.

  47. Martins Okey Avatar
    Martins Okey

    Taking an interest in your partner’s hobbies is a great way to show them you care.

  48. Martins Okey Avatar
    Martins Okey

    Give your partner a foot massage when both of you are relaxing on the couch. You can bring out some oils or even a body cream and run your hands over their feet as you both watch something on the screen.

  49. Martins Okey Avatar
    Martins Okey

    There’s no classic gesture than just telling your partner you love them, whether you say it regularly or not, you should still look at them in the eyes and say, “I love you.” Say it like you mean it without trying to be funny or sounding corny.

  50. Martins Okey Avatar
    Martins Okey

    Sit on your partner’s lap and behave like a mischievous minx when both of you are relaxing at home.

    Or if you’re the guy, don’t let your partner walk around the house for a few hours. Carry them around the house no matter where they want to go. It’s an underrated and funny act, but it still counts as a romantic gesture.

  51. Nnebabe1 Avatar
    Nnebabe1

    Eziokwu

    1. smart-in-ok Avatar
      smart-in-ok

      Daalu None!

  52. Nnebabe1 Avatar
    Nnebabe1

    Learn how to give too

    1. Nnebabe1 Avatar
      Nnebabe1

      Perfect

  53. Nnebabe1 Avatar
    Nnebabe1

    Very true

    1. Hum king Avatar
      Hum king

      You are saying the truth

  54. Jason ukwuoma Avatar
    Jason ukwuoma

    That’s true

  55. Jason ukwuoma Avatar
    Jason ukwuoma

    Absolutely true

    1. Confidence1 Avatar
      Confidence1

      Yeah

  56. bonnyway101 Avatar
    bonnyway101

    Young

  57. empress eloagu Avatar
    empress eloagu

    I have learnt and chosen to appreciate my partner and people in general over the little things they do for me.
    Because Showing appreciation always goes a long way in our lives and little things
    also matters so it shouldn’t be taken for granted

  58. empress eloagu Avatar
    empress eloagu

    Love is beautiful

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