20 Ways to Make Your Long-Term Partner Feel Special Again

Keeping the spark alive in a long-term relationship takes effort, creativity, and small but meaningful gestures.

Sophia Zapanta
February 14, 2025
6 min read

20 Ways to Make Your Long-Term Partner Feel Special Again — Anastasiya Lobanovskaya on Pexels

Over time, relationships can settle into routines, making it easy to take each other for granted. To keep the connection strong, you need to make your partner feel valued, appreciated, and loved in new and thoughtful ways. From surprise dates to heartfelt compliments, these 20 ideas will help you rekindle the magic and make your partner feel special again.

1. Leave Love Notes

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Write sweet or silly notes and leave them in unexpected places. Hide one in their wallet, stick one on the bathroom mirror, or tuck it into their lunch. Even a simple “I love you” on a post-it can brighten their day. It’s old-school romance that never gets old.

2. Plan a Surprise Date

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Take charge and plan something they’ll love without asking. It could be a cozy dinner, a fun outdoor adventure, or even a nostalgic trip to where you first met. The surprise element makes it exciting and shows you put in extra effort. Just make sure it aligns with their interests so it feels personal.

3. Give Genuine Compliments

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Notice the little things and say them out loud. Tell them how great they look, how much you admire their kindness, or how you love the way they laugh. Compliments remind them they’re still attractive and valued in your eyes. And don’t just stick to looks—praise their mind, heart, and personality, too.

4. Recreate Your First Date

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Go back to where it all started and relive those early butterflies. Order the same food, wear something similar, and reminisce about how you felt that day. The nostalgia will bring back warm memories and reinforce your bond. Plus, it’s a reminder of how far you’ve come together.

5. Give a Thoughtful Gift for No Reason

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Surprise them with a small, meaningful present—just because. It doesn’t have to be expensive; it just has to show you know what they love. A book by their favorite author, their favorite snack, or a playlist of songs that remind you of them works wonders. Unexpected gifts make everyday moments feel special.

6. Cook Their Favorite Meal

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Nothing says “I love you” like a homemade meal tailored to their taste buds. Even if you’re not a great cook, the effort alone is romantic. Set the table nicely, light some candles, and make it feel like a fancy dinner date at home. The way to the heart is often through the stomach!

7. Touch More Often

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Small, meaningful touches go a long way. Hold hands while walking, kiss them randomly, cuddle on the couch, or give a lingering hug. Physical affection keeps intimacy alive and reassures them of your love. It’s the easiest way to reconnect without saying a word.

8. Listen Without Distractions

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Put down your phone, turn off the TV, and give them your full attention. When they talk, really listen—ask questions, show interest, and engage. Feeling truly heard makes them feel valued and respected. Sometimes, all they need is to know you’re present and invested in them.

9. Send a Flirty Text

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Text them like you did when you first started dating. A playful compliment, an inside joke, or even a suggestive message can bring excitement back into the daily routine. It keeps the chemistry alive even when you’re apart. Who says flirting has to stop after years together?

10. Give Them a Break

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Offer to handle something they usually do, whether it’s chores, errands, or childcare. Giving them time to relax without responsibility is a gift in itself. It shows you appreciate their efforts and want them to rest. Sometimes, the best way to say “I love you” is by making their life easier.

11. Do Something They Love (Even If You Don’t)

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Join them in something they enjoy, even if it’s not your thing. Watch their favorite show, play their favorite game, or attend an event they’re excited about. The fact that you’re willing to step into their world speaks volumes. Shared experiences strengthen your connection.

12. Leave a Sweet Voice Note

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A short, heartfelt voice message can make their day. Hearing your voice say something loving, funny, or reassuring adds a personal touch. It’s a small, effortless way to remind them they’re on your mind. And unlike texts, voice notes carry emotion in a way words alone can’t.

13. Celebrate Their Wins (Big or Small)

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Make a big deal out of their accomplishments, whether it’s a work success, a personal goal, or just making it through a tough day. Acknowledge their effort and celebrate together, even if it’s just with a happy dance in the kitchen. Feeling supported keeps the relationship strong. Life is better when you have a cheerleader.

14. Take a Trip Together

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A change of scenery can do wonders for your connection. Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a full vacation, exploring new places together strengthens your bond. Shared adventures create fresh memories and bring excitement back. Even a simple day trip can shake up the routine.

15. Make a “Just Because” Playlist

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Create a playlist filled with songs that remind you of them. Include tracks from your early days, songs with meaningful lyrics, or just tunes that match their vibe. Music has a way of bringing back feelings, and this is a personal, thoughtful way to say, “I’m thinking of you.”

16. Do a Random Act of Kindness

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Fill their car with gas, grab their favorite coffee, or warm up their towel before they get out of the shower. Small acts of kindness show love in everyday moments. They’ll notice the effort and feel cherished. It’s often the little things that mean the most.

17. Laugh Together More

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Watch a comedy, share funny memes, or recall inside jokes from years ago. Laughter strengthens bonds and makes life more enjoyable. A couple that laughs together stays together. Don’t underestimate the power of shared joy.

18. Write a Love Letter

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Put your feelings into words and write them a heartfelt letter. Tell them what you love about them, why you appreciate them, and how they make your life better. Unlike texts, a handwritten letter is tangible and timeless. It’s something they can keep and reread whenever they need a reminder.

19. Be Their Safe Space

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Let them vent without judgment, comfort them when they’re stressed, and remind them they’re not alone. Being emotionally available is one of the most meaningful ways to show love. They should feel safe being themselves around you. Love isn’t just romance—it’s support, too.

20. Keep Dating Them

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Never stop making an effort to impress them. Dress up for them, ask them questions like you’re still getting to know them, and keep trying to win their heart every day. Love isn’t about finding someone—it’s about choosing them again and again. The more effort you put in, the stronger your bond becomes.