How to Show Affection and Love

You've met a special someone, and you want to spend every second by that person's side. Her or she makes you laugh, understands you, has long and stimulating conversations with you, and isn't too hard on the eyes, either. So you're in love!

Being in love and showing love are two entirely different things, however, and not everyone finds it easy to show affection and love. A myriad of things may get in the way--past baggage, stress, just a general lack of cluelessness. However, even simple things can show your significant other that you care deeply. Being able to show your emotions and affirm your affection can be make the difference between keeping a great relationship--or losing it.

Here are a few ways to show affection and love.

One of the most important ways to show your affection and love to a significant other is verbally. Now, this doesn't mean you have to say "I love you" after every other sentence or stare into each other's eyes over a candlelight dinner. While saying "I love you" is important, it's not enough--there are plenty of ways to show your emotions verbally, and they can be just as or even more meaningful.

• Be generous with sincere compliments, and not just about the other person's looks--praise their intellect, how well they do at work, how adeptly they manage social situations; just notice something unique about that person and compliment them on it! They'll notice that you care enough to pay attention to who they really are.
• Don't be afraid to be verbally affectionate in public--not just behind closed doors. Show the world you care so that your significant other knows you care no matter the circumstances.
• When your significant other speaks, listen--and respond thoughtfully. You may not think of it as verbal affection, but taking the time to both hear what someone else is saying and engage intellectually with it is showing that you care on a deep, true level.
• Use terms of endearment.
• Periodically eave random notes around saying what you love about the person--tucked into a purse or a briefcase, or taped onto a mirror or message board.

Another key way to show love and affection is through physical touch. This doesn't mean jumping between the covers (though it can) so much as it means small physical gestures throughout the tme you spend with one another that show how much you care.

• Be sure to greet and say goodbye to your significant other with a hug and a kiss.
• Hold hands when you're out together.
• Brush their shoulder, arm, or the small of their back.
• If you're a man, hold doors for your signficant other; open the car door before she gets in. Give her your jacket if it's cold (keeping your partner physically comfortable is another way of showing affection).
• Go dancing.
• Cuddle on the couch or at the movies.

Affection and love can also be shown through small and thoughtful gifts; becoming comfortable with your signficant other's family or circle of friends; and a myriad of other ways. Think hard about what your spouse or partner would like, then act accordingly!

Of course, some people may have emotional obstacles to showing love and affection, including baggage from past relationships or childhood issues; in those cases, a therapist may help the person overcome their own barriers and be more open to giving and receiving affection and love.

No matter how amazing the other components of your relationship are, it won't survive long-term if each partner can't show their feelings--so take the time to do so and nurture your relationship.