Being in a healthy, loving relationship is one of life’s greatest gifts. And making your partner feel appreciated and valued is the key to relationship success.
But in our busy lives, it’s easy to forget to make your girlfriend feel special. We get so caught up with work, family, and other obligations that we neglect to nurture romance.
The good news? With just a little effort, you can make your girlfriend feel extraordinary every single day. It’s about being thoughtful, personalizing your approach, and going the extra mile to show you care.
Follow these 20 expert tips to reignite the spark and help your girlfriend feel cherished, loved, and truly extraordinary.
1. Understand Her Love Language
People give and receive love in different ways. By learning your girlfriend’s unique “love language,” you’ll discover the specific ways to make her feel most valued.
Created by marriage counselor Gary Chapman, there are five love languages:
- Words of Affirmation – Compliments, praise, verbal appreciation
- Quality Time – Undivided attention, togetherness
- Receiving Gifts – Thoughtful surprises, tangible displays of affection
- Acts of Service – Helping with tasks, doing something special for them
- Physical Touch – Hugs, kisses, massages, intimacy
Pay attention to how your girlfriend most enjoys receiving love. Then focus on speaking her language.
For example, if she craves Words of Affirmation, get in the habit of sending her loving texts during the day. Tell her all the things you admire about her – her brilliance, her humor, her resilience.
When you communicate in your girlfriend’s love language, you make her feel secure and valued.
2. Perform Thoughtful Gestures
Sometimes it’s the little things that make the biggest impact when it comes to making your partner feel special.
Surprise your girlfriend with sweet gestures like:
- Making her morning coffee just how she likes it
- Drawing a relaxing bubble bath when she’s had a stressful day
- Leaving a love note on the mirror for her to discover
- Cooking her favorite meal after she’s had a long week
- Bringing home her preferred ice cream treat for an impromptu sundae night
These thoughtful acts don’t have to be grand romantic gestures. Even small acts of service show you were thinking of her and made an effort to brighten her day.
3. Surprise Her with Unexpected Kindness
Who doesn’t love a good surprise? Unexpected acts of kindness are a great way to make your girlfriend feel special.
Here are some ideas to pleasantly catch her off guard:
- Take over one of her chores without being asked – wash her car, clean the apartment, run errands for her
- Make weekend plans for something she’s been wanting to do – a hiking trip, art class, concert tickets
- Have flowers or her favorite treat delivered to her office for no occasion at all
- Draw up a certificate for a 30-minute massage after she’s had a stressful week
- Plan a fun outing with her best friends – dinner, spa trip, bowling night
Living together offers many opportunities to surprise your girlfriend and make her life easier. Pay attention and anticipate what would delight her most.
4. Celebrate Milestones in a Memorable Way
Birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays let you pull out all the stops to make your girlfriend feel special. But don’t settle for a generic or predictable celebration.
Make these occasions extra memorable by personalizing them with details that reflect her personality and interests.
For her birthday, throw a party filled with all her favorite things – from the decorations to the menu. Or whisk her away for a romantic weekend getaway.
On your anniversary, recreate your first date or exchange gifts symbolizing your journey together. Compile a photo book chronicling your magical memories.
Valentine’s Day offers limitless options for creating an extraordinary experience. Cater to her interests – cook a gourmet dinner together, go dancing, enjoy a couples’ massage.
When you take celebrations to the next level, you show your girlfriend how much she means to you.
5. Give Personalized Gifts That Demonstrate You Know Her
Generic gifts from the drugstore convey little thought or effort. To make your girlfriend feel truly special, give personalized presents that prove you pay attention.
Tailor your gifts to showcase what makes her unique. Some ideas:
- A locket with a photo of you inside
- A handwritten book of “open when” letters for different occasions
- An engraved bracelet with your special nickname for her
- A donation to her favorite charity
- Custom artwork featuring an inside joke or favorite place
- A piece of jewelry on her birthstone
Sentimental, customized gifts show you cherish who she is as an individual. So skip the cliché flowers and teddy bear this Valentine’s Day. Give a gift that melts her heart because of its deep personal meaning.
6. Surprise Her with Spontaneous Day Trips
Inject more fun and excitement into your relationship with spontaneous day trips and outings. The element of surprise adds an extra dash of romance.
Some quick getaway ideas:
- Pack a picnic and head to a scenic spot to watch the sunset
- Spend the morning at a flower festival or craft fair
- Take a hike to a waterfall or overlook she hasn’t experienced
- Rent a convertible for a scenic drive along the coast
- Explore a quirky small town and visit its points of interest
- Go whale watching, wine tasting, antiquing – whatever sparks her interest
Living together makes it easy to get stuck in a routine. Spontaneous day trips get you outside your comfort zone while creating magical shared experiences.
7. Compliment Her Regularly (and Specifically)
Hearing “You’re so beautiful” never gets old. But generic compliments don’t have the same effect as specific praise.
Make your girlfriend feel amazing with personalized, thoughtful compliments like:
- “You light up any room with your magnetic energy and enthusiasm.”
- “I’m constantly impressed by your intelligence and ability to hold thoughtful conversations.”
- “Your resilience and grace in the face of challenges is so inspiring.”
- “You have the most captivating smile that makes me weak in the knees.”
Compliment her on attributes beyond her physical appearance, like her talents, sense of humor, or resourcefulness.
And focus on details that others may overlook – the twinkle in her eye, her soothing voice, her infectious laugh.
Sincere, unique compliments remind your girlfriend of all the reasons you cherish her.
8. Support Her Dreams and Goals
When you fully support your girlfriend in pursuing her passions and dreams, you make her feel secure and valued.
Be her biggest cheerleader by:
- Asking about her goals and aspirations
- Helping her brainstorm plans of action
- Researching resources that can aid her
- Allowing her space and time to work on projects
- Displaying enthusiasm and pride in her accomplishments
- Offering encouragement when she faces obstacles
Simply telling your girlfriend “I believe in you” means the world. But going out of your way to invest in her growth and purpose demonstrates unconditional support.
She’ll feel so grateful to have you by her side as she strives to reach her potential.
9. Take an Interest in Her Hobbies
You don’t have to share all the same pastimes. But taking a genuine interest in your girlfriend’s hobbies makes her feel valued.
Dive into her interests by:
- Asking questions about her hobbies – how she got started, what she enjoys
- Spending time watching or participating in her hobbies if possible
- Encouraging her to join a club, take a class, or attend an event related to her hobbies
- Researching her hobbies so you can hold conversations about them
- Giving gifts related to her hobbies – art supplies, baking gadgets, etc
Learning about her passions shows you care about understanding what lights her up. She’ll feel appreciated knowing you took the time to embrace the activities she loves.
10. Have Meaningful Conversations
Deep, meaningful conversation creates an intimate emotional connection with your partner.
Carve out time for quality conversations by:
- Asking open-ended questions about important issues – her perspective on current events, views on spirituality, where she sees herself in 5 years
- Sharing your hopes, dreams, uncertainties – be vulnerable and comforted by her reassurance
- Discussing how you both can nurture your relationship – share what makes you feel most loved and connected
- Exchanging stories from your past that shaped you – childhood memories, pivotal life events
- Sharing comfortable silences – you don’t always need to talk, just being together feels powerful
Meaningful talks don’t have to revolve around profound topics. Even lighthearted conversations about her day or silly childhood memories can strengthen your bond.
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11. Provide Comfort and Support in Challenging Times
When life gets difficult, your unwavering presence and compassion help your girlfriend feel secure.
In times of grief, stress, or uncertainty, be her rock by:
- Listening without judgment while she expresses her feelings
- Validating her emotions – let her know it’s normal to feel overwhelmed
- Offering practical support – driving her to appointments, bringing her meals
- Reminding her of her strength and resilience – she has overcome trials before
- Reassuring her that things will get better with time
- Respecting if she needs space but staying close by
- Doing simple thoughtful gestures – flowers, tea, hugs
Never minimize her problems or try to “fix” things. Just being patient, empathetic, and caring reminds your girlfriend she’s not alone.
12. Strive to Understand Her Needs
People have emotional needs like intimacy, support, and freedom. Identify your girlfriend’s core needs so you can meet them.
- Observe – Notice what makes her happiest and what causes frustration
- Ask questions – What does she need more/less of from you?
- Listen – Creating a safe space for her to share her desires
- Reflect – Consider how you can adapt to provide what she requires
Fulfilling her needs makes your girlfriend feel secure. For example:
- If she needs more quality time, plan regular date nights
- If she needs more affection, give random hugs and “I love yous”
- If she values her independence, give her space to be with friends
Understanding and accommodating her needs shows your commitment to nurturing the relationship.
13. Share Spontaneous Adventures
Break out of your routine by embracing spontaneity. Surprise adventures create excitement and strengthen your bond.
Be spontaneous together by:
- Booking a secret weekend getaway
- Grabbing your coats and driving off to explore a new town
- Sneaking away from a party early for a midnight dessert outing
- Saying “yes” to new experiences – a salsa class, karaoke night
- Planning less – avoid overscheduling so you can be open to adventures
Living in the moment with your partner feels rejuvenating. Your shared laughter and memories from spontaneous adventures will bring you closer together.
14. Make Her Feel Desired
In today’s busy world, it’s easy to neglect intimacy with your partner. Make sure your girlfriend feels beautiful and desired.
Reignite the passion by:
- Noting when she dresses up and letting her know she looks hot
- Initiating affection – give her a passionate kiss when she walks in the door
- Planning romantic evenings – candlelit dinners, couples massages, hotel getaways
- Sending flirty texts letting her know you find her irresistible
- Complimenting aspects beyond her looks – like her creativity, laugh, resilience
- Telling her what you love about your sex life and being intimate together
Regular doses of romance prevent you from drifting apart. Your girlfriend will glow knowing she’s attractive and wanted.
15. Support Her Self-Care
Encouraging your girlfriend’s self-care promotes her overall well-being – and the health of your relationship.
Help her recharge by:
- Giving her time for self-care – sleep, exercise, enjoying hobbies
- Taking over chores so she has less on her plate
- Booking her massages, manicures, hair appointments
- Doing relaxing activities together – yoga, meditation, nature walks
- Preparing healthy meals to nourish her body and mind
- Reminding her to take timeout when she’s stressed
Supporting your girlfriend in caring for herself improves her confidence and happiness. She’ll feel secure knowing her well-being is a priority.
16. Have a Sense of Humor
Laughter strengthens relationships. Inject regular doses of playfulness and laughter into your interactions.
Make her smile by:
- Sharing silly memes and videos
- Bringing home her favorite comedy movies
- Telling funny stories from your day
- Being goofy and dancing together in the kitchen
- Playing pranks on each other – bake cookies and swap salt for sugar
- Getting creative with inside jokes – come up with special nicknames and callbacks
Humor relieves stress, makes life more fun, and deepens intimacy. Your girlfriend will fall even more in love with you knowing you can always make her laugh.
17. Remember Important Details
Paying attention to the little details that matter to your girlfriend makes her feel truly seen and appreciated.
Show you care by remembering:
- Her birthday and anniversary, obviously, but also the birthdays of her close friends and family
- Her preferences – favorite dessert, go-to coffee order, beloved hair salon
- Stories or events she’s shared about childhood memories, favorite concerts, milestone moments
- Places she’d love to travel – refer back to her bucket list
- Her schedule – if she has a big meeting or deadline coming up
When you recall even minor details like her favorite song or food she hates, your girlfriend feels profoundly understood. Her happiness matters to you.
18. Give Gifts “Just Because”
While gifts on special occasions are nice, there’s something extra thoughtful about surprises “just because.”
Show you’re thinking of her by:
- Bringing home a treat she loves – no occasion required
- Booking a massage if she’s had a stressful week
- Leaving a small piece of jewelry on her nightstand
- Giving sentimental gifts like a framed photo of a cherished memory
- Making her a playlist of songs that remind you of her or your relationship
- Writing out all the reasons you appreciate her on a card
These heartfelt “just because” gifts and gestures reinforce your love and appreciation daily.
19. Express Appreciation for All She Does
Don’t let the labor of love your girlfriend performs go unnoticed. Express genuine gratitude.
Show thanks for things like:
- Making your home a comfortable sanctuary
- The energy she puts into making birthdays and holidays special
- Emotional support she provided when you need guidance or comfort
- Her efforts to nurture the relationship – planning date nights, giving massages
- The sacrifices she makes to achieve dreams – taking night classes, working side hustles
Large and small, acknowledge everything your girlfriend does. Specific praise for her efforts will make her feel valued.
20. Say “I Love You”
Don’t just assume your girlfriend knows how you feel. The words “I love you” never get old.
Proclaim your devotion by:
- Telling her “I love you” when you part ways and before bed each night
- Expressing love in a heartfelt card on special days
- Whispering “I love you” in her ear as you hug her from behind
- Reveling in the power of those three words – let them stand on their own
- Making eye contact and saying “I love you” when you return home to her welcoming arms
Hearing “I love you” fills your girlfriend’s heart with happiness and security. So say it as often as you feel it!
The key to making your girlfriend feel extra special lies in consistency. Employ these techniques daily, not just when you feel like you have to make up for something.
An extraordinary relationship takes work. But the joy and fulfillment are infinitely worth it.
So be attentive. Be affectionate. Be thoughtful. The little gestures that convey your adoration all add up to make her feel like the luckiest woman alive.