MensHealth
  • News
  • Health
  • Fitness
  • Sex
  • Nutrition
  • Style
  • Weight Loss
  • Life
  • Podcasts
  • Subscribe
  • Motoring
  • Video
MensHealth
  • News
  • Health
  • Fitness
  • Sex
  • Nutrition
  • Style
  • Weight Loss
  • Life
  • Podcasts
  • Subscribe
  • Motoring
  • Video
Bjornsson Deadlifted 1,026 pounds On The Elephant Bar To Win 2020 Arnold Classic
Watch 0:10

Bjornsson Deadlifted 1,026 pounds On The Elephant Bar To Win 2020 Arnold Classic

{headline}

{headline}

How To Defuse An Argument With Your Missus, Stat

How To Defuse An Argument With Your Missus, Stat

Why Women Love Bad Boys—and How to Be One

Why Women Love Bad Boys—and How to Be One

These Are The Top Traits Women Look For In A Partner

These Are The Top Traits Women Look For In A Partner

‘I Gave Up Coffee For 10 Days—Here’s What Happened to My Body’

‘I Gave Up Coffee For 10 Days—Here’s What Happened to My Body’

{headline}

{headline}

9 Dating App Tips From One of the Most Right-Swiped Guys on Tinder

9 Dating App Tips From One of the Most Right-Swiped Guys on Tinder

Do Detox Diets Work? We Tried the Most Popular Ones So You Don't Have To

Do Detox Diets Work? We Tried the Most Popular Ones So You Don't Have To

Doctors Reveal the 9 Best Health Hacks For 2018

Doctors Reveal the 9 Best Health Hacks For 2018

{headline}

{headline}

Science Explains Why Playing Hard to Get Works In Your Favour

Science Explains Why Playing Hard to Get Works In Your Favour

6 Health and Nutrition Trends Set To Kick Off This Year

6 Health and Nutrition Trends Set To Kick Off This Year

Watch This Aussie School Captain's Powerful Speech About Ending Violence Against Women

Watch This Aussie School Captain's Powerful Speech About Ending Violence Against Women

This New Science-backed Energy Drink is 100 per cent Natural

This New Science-backed Energy Drink is 100 per cent Natural

10 Health And Fitness Instagram Accounts That Are Inspiring Us To Take On 2021

10 Health And Fitness Instagram Accounts That Are Inspiring Us To Take On 2021

How To Set Up Your Work From Home Space

How To Set Up Your Work From Home Space

Government Orders Shutdown Of Gyms And Indoor Sporting Venues

Government Orders Shutdown Of Gyms And Indoor Sporting Venues

  1. Home
  2. Relationship Advice

4 Things Every Woman Wants to Hear In a Relationship

There's no doubt she'll feel more appreciated - by Jamie Hergendrader
  • 04 Jan 2018
4 Things Every Woman Wants to Hear In a Relationship
Getty Images

Whether you've been with your partner for a couple months or many years, sometimes it's the tiniest gestures that make the biggest impact. Sure, planning elaborate dates can be great, but at the end of the day, a seemingly simple comment can mean everything.

To learn just what to say to make your partner feel adored, we chatted with top therapists for specific statements that will help you talk your way to tighter bonds.

Here's exactly what to say if you want to strengthen your connection with your partner.

"YOU GET ME MORE THAN ANYONE ELSE."

This simple phrase is powerful for confirming how right you are together—your partner will take pride in that, says Eli Finkel, Ph.D., a professor of psychology at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, and author of The All-or-Nothing Marriage: How the Best Marriages Work.

"The feeling that you really know each other is what keeps you a 'we' rather than two 'I's," says Amy Banks, M.D., director of advanced training for the Jean Baker Miller Center for Relational Growth in Wellesley, Massachusetts. "That's perhaps the most important thing about partnering: knowing you belong with someone."

"I LOVE HOW KINDLY YOU TREATED THAT BUMBLING WAITER."

Describing a character trait you admire in your partner is better than a generic "I love you" because it's something you've observed about just them, says Megan Fleming, Ph.D., a New York City sex and relationship expert. Pointing it out when you notice it makes your compliment feel more real—and more poignant, because it shows your partner's strengths are not going unnoticed.

"YOU MAY HANG EVERY PAINTING CROOKED, BUT YOU'RE STILL PRETTY CUTE."

On the flip side, feel free to playfully jab at your partner's missteps. Psychologists call it "unconditional positive regard"—when we show our partner we see their flaws realistically but love them anyway, it encourages them to be more authentic around you, which can strengthen your bond, Finkel says.

"THANKS SO MUCH FOR TAKING CARE OF THAT."

"It can feel so good at the end of a long day to have someone simply appreciate you," says Dr. Banks. Relationships need to be constantly fed with mutual respect and gratitude. So let her know how much you appreciate her taking care of the little things so she knows it doesn't go unnoticed. It helps you too: Studies show expressing gratitude makes you feel closer to your significant other.

 

The article 4 Subtle Ways To Feel Instantly More Connected To Your Partner originally appeared on Women’s Health.

  • Sex
  • Relationship Advice
Jamie Hergendrader
Jamie Hergendrader is one of Men's Health's resident writers. She is currently based in NYC and loves travelling, hiking, beaches and wine!

Subscribe Now-

Subscribe Now
Subscribe Now

Subscribe Now-

Subscribe Now
Subscribe Now

Recommended to you

Bjornsson Deadlifted 1,026 pounds On The Elephant Bar To Win 2020 Arnold Classic
Watch 0:10

Bjornsson Deadlifted 1,026 pounds On The Elephant Bar To Win 2020 Arnold Classic

{headline}

{headline}

How To Defuse An Argument With Your Missus, Stat

How To Defuse An Argument With Your Missus, Stat

Why Women Love Bad Boys—and How to Be One

Why Women Love Bad Boys—and How to Be One

These Are The Top Traits Women Look For In A Partner

These Are The Top Traits Women Look For In A Partner

‘I Gave Up Coffee For 10 Days—Here’s What Happened to My Body’

‘I Gave Up Coffee For 10 Days—Here’s What Happened to My Body’

{headline}

{headline}

9 Dating App Tips From One of the Most Right-Swiped Guys on Tinder

9 Dating App Tips From One of the Most Right-Swiped Guys on Tinder

Do Detox Diets Work? We Tried the Most Popular Ones So You Don't Have To

Do Detox Diets Work? We Tried the Most Popular Ones So You Don't Have To

Doctors Reveal the 9 Best Health Hacks For 2018

Doctors Reveal the 9 Best Health Hacks For 2018

{headline}

{headline}

Science Explains Why Playing Hard to Get Works In Your Favour

Science Explains Why Playing Hard to Get Works In Your Favour

6 Health and Nutrition Trends Set To Kick Off This Year

6 Health and Nutrition Trends Set To Kick Off This Year

Watch This Aussie School Captain's Powerful Speech About Ending Violence Against Women

Watch This Aussie School Captain's Powerful Speech About Ending Violence Against Women

This New Science-backed Energy Drink is 100 per cent Natural

This New Science-backed Energy Drink is 100 per cent Natural

10 Health And Fitness Instagram Accounts That Are Inspiring Us To Take On 2021

10 Health And Fitness Instagram Accounts That Are Inspiring Us To Take On 2021

How To Set Up Your Work From Home Space

How To Set Up Your Work From Home Space

Government Orders Shutdown Of Gyms And Indoor Sporting Venues

Government Orders Shutdown Of Gyms And Indoor Sporting Venues

MensHealth
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Subscribe to Digital
  • Terms
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Statement
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Subscribe to Digital
  • Terms
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Statement

Brands

  • Women's Health

Our Network

  • Paragon Media Pty Ltd
© 2021 Are Media PTY LTD
Get more from Men's Health

Magazine Subscription Offer

Subscribe Now-

Shop This Offer
Subscribe Now