We all like to hear those three special words from someone we care about.
But think about this.
If it’s ALL you talk about, without backing it up with deep and meaningful conversation, how sincere are you? After all, it doesn’t take much effort to mutter “I love you.”
Overusing the phrase is like buying gas station flowers on Valentine’s Day. Totally thoughtless!
It might even become an automatic response. For example, when ending a phone call or saying goodbye.
Instead, look at the flip side – actions speak louder than words.
Compassionate gestures or deep conversations help reinforce a level of understanding and genuine connection between you and your partner.
So here’s the deal.
If you truly want to show that special someone that you’re serious, check out these 11 conversations that will take your relationship to the next level.
1) Provide comfort (in times of need)
Be their rock.
No matter how big or small their trauma, you need to let them know you’re there for them. Offer your support and tell them no matter what – you’re in this together.
Supportive conversations like this (especially during difficult times) mean more than simply saying “I love you.”
A problem shared is a problem halved.
Playing the team game is actually one of the best things about being in a relationship. Having someone in your life who always has your back has huge benefits.
It relieves stress, helps you overcome adversity, and allows you to reach your full potential (and your partner will love you for it).
This leads nicely to our second point.
2) Turbocharge them with words of encouragement
Have you heard this famous Theodore Roosevelt quote?
“Nothing in the world is worth having or worth doing unless it means effort, pain, difficulty…”
My point here is that life can be a struggle, especially for highly ambitious individuals.
Now, here’s where you come in.
Learn your partner’s passions and help them get over the line by offering words of encouragement. They could have a general life goal or maybe a more specific task they’re currently focused on. But no matter what it is, conversations that start with “I believe in you” or “You got this” can hit hard.
Trust me.
They’ll appreciate you so much more if you can stay positive and help them remain resilient when facing setbacks in achieving their goals.
3) Share your vulnerabilities
This is a great one, for a couple of reasons.
You not only get to open up and be completely honest with your partner (which might actually help you overcome your insecurities) but you also get to have an incredibly intimate and personal conversation.
This demonstrates to your partner that they’re special (you don’t just talk about this stuff with anyone). As a result, it’ll reinforce trust in the relationship and ultimately make you closer.
And I’m not just talking about superficial things, like worrying about money or casual pet peeves.
Really open up.
You can share past experiences that may have affected you as a person.
Good and bad.
Some common relationship vulnerabilities include things like feeling you’re not good enough or that you’re unwanted. Perhaps you’re scared of losing them.
These kinds of conversations are guaranteed to create a solid emotional bond.
4) Apologize (and offer forgiveness)
All relationships have their ups and downs.
Here’s the thing.
When you spend so much time with another human being, occasional disagreements are inevitable. Even full-blown screaming matches are perfectly normal (within reason) and a healthy part of any romantic relationship.
What happens next is more important.
During a heated exchange, we often say things we don’t mean. Emotions tend to take the driving seat. So having post-fight empathetic conversations where you have the chance to apologize (or forgive) your partner, can bond you together like never before.
There’s a reason why make-up sex is so good!
Owning your mistakes, demonstrating humility, and accepting your partner’s flaws are actions that speak so much louder than simply saying “I love you.”
5) Be thankful
It’s the little things that count.
Maybe you’re super busy at work and your partner surprises you with a packed lunch. Or you miss the last train and they don’t hesitate to pick you up.
Well, make sure you express your gratitude!
Acknowledging their kindness will let them know you don’t take them for granted.
It also helps create a positive, wholesome foundation for your relationship moving forward.
This is really important.
You want to avoid the flip side at all costs. Because a world where your partner feels unappreciated or even exploited is destined to fall apart.
6) Chat about children
Starting a conversation with “You’re an amazing father/mother” is an awesome compliment for any parent to hear.
You can also say “You’ll make a great father/mother” (if you don’t yet have little ones).
And make sure you mention all the reasons!
Perhaps they’re a great listener. Maybe they’re super creative and always coming up with activities. Or they could be especially supportive. Highlighting their qualities in the context of children will make them feel amazing.
Here’s why.
Of course, they love their kids (be it now or in the future). So talking positively about their parenting abilities will act as reassurance. After all, it’s a scary thing to have children. They probably have fear and doubt about the whole thing.
Not to mention…
Being a parent is a lifelong commitment. If you have children together, it’s one thing that’s absolutely guaranteed to last.
So chats about children also help cement a long and prosperous relationship.
7) Embrace the bedroom talk
Talking (in detail) about the physical side of your relationship can bring you together as a couple, and in many ways, feels much more special than spouting generic statements like “I love you.”
Why?
Because it’s exclusive.
You’re only romantically intimate with one person in your life, so chances are you don’t really have this kind of chat with anyone else.
This direct one-on-one bedroom talk strengthens your bond together.
Wait! There’s more.
You can use this opportunity to compliment them, express your likes and dislikes, and better understand their sexual needs.
The end result?
A more transparent and healthy sex life!
Along with this, you should also discuss your relationship in a more general sense, so always have…
8) Regular check-ins
Don’t get me wrong.
You love hanging out with your partner. Whether it’s catching a movie, dining out, or hitting the beach.
Being chill, and simply enjoying each other’s company is what it’s all about (you laugh so much when you’re together).
But here’s the thing.
It’s okay to get a little heavy from time to time.
Regularly discussing the state of your relationship can result in a more fulfilling connection. Think of it as an appraisal!
It gives you the chance to express your needs, desires, and qualms. Plus, demonstrates that you’re serious and want to make this work. It also ensures you’re both on the same page and avoids any nasty surprises down the line.
But don’t overdo it!
The vast majority of your time together should be spent in the moment simply enjoying each other.
So always remember to…
9) Make them laugh
Let’s back up a little.
Meaningful conversations don’t always have to be so serious.
In fact, research shows laughter is extremely important for romantic relationships (maybe even THE most important thing).
You know the feeling…
When you’re both together, completely in the moment, in hysterics. Maybe you get the giggles over something they said. Or you just witnessed something that tickled you both (because you totally have the same sense of humor).
“Live, love, laugh.” – It literally releases ‘feel-good hormones’.
10) Reminisce your relationship highlights (so far)
This one is especially good for couples that have been together for a few years.
Starting conversations with “That night was so incredible…” or “It was so funny when…” is super effective at reinforcing your relationship.
It’s all about confidence.
You see, after a while, it’s natural to wonder whether your relationship still has that spark.
And sure, the dynamics of any couple will change over time.
But reflecting on good times can help restore confidence and act as reassurance that you’re really good together.
Of course, it doesn’t mean that the best days are in the past. You still have much more left to come.
Which is why it’s important to also…
11) Lay out your future plans
Let me ask you this.
What shows more commitment? Saying “I love you” or actually planning a future together.
I’m talking about the big life-changing things here like traveling the world, buying a house together, and having children.
You see what I mean?
Conversations where you discuss your dreams, aspirations, and future plans (together) are THE most meaningful. It shows that you envision being together for many years to come.
This instills so much confidence in your partner and cements your relationship.
