No more feeling unappreciated in your relationship.
When you’ve been in a relationship for a while, it’s easy to turn to auto-pilot. You get used to having this person in your life and fall into a routine. Maybe you don’t acknowledge your significant other the way you should. Even just a simple ‘thank you’ from time to time becomes almost obsolete.
Apparently, all that time being single and wishing you had this amazing person to come home to just fades away.
That’s when the problem begins of taking our relationships for granted. This wonderful person wasn’t there before you got together and if we’re not careful, they won’t always be there either. Never assume that someone will be sticking around.
Being single is no easy walk in the park, but on the other hand, no one wants to be in a relationship where they feel like they are being taken for granted either.
As women, we want to feel appreciated. We want to know that you are excited and grateful to have us in your life. You don’t have to show up with flowers and candy every week – though no harm no foul if you want to do that – but at least let us know that we are valued.
The idea of trying to get a man to start appreciating us more can seem like a romantic version of that film Inception.
1. ARIES (March 21 – April 19)
The Aries man loves to compete and participate in anything and everything that can show off his skills. He loves to pass the time with any type of physical challenge or individual sport. Additionally, this man is a born leader, so the opportunity to engage in a leadership position makes him very happy. When you feel like he isn’t appreciating you, it’s important to remember his specific personality and interests.
One suggestion would be to sign the both of you up for a running marathon. There’s a good chance he probably already enjoys running, and if you have never done a marathon before, he will the love the chance to coach you through it. He will appreciate you for taking the initiative to join him in his interests.
2. TAURUS (April 20 – May 20)
This man loves to work with his hands, so naturally he enjoys activities like gardening or cooking. He’s also a romantic who appreciates the finer things in life, especially when it comes to clothes.
A great way to make him appreciate you again is to tap into these traits of his. Surprise him with a night in at home in which the two of you prepare a nice meal together. He’ll enjoy the cooking of course, but he will also be appreciative that you surprised him with it.
3. GEMINI (May 21 – June 20)
A Gemini is not a fan of repetition or routine, so he will appreciate you for surprising him with something fun. His interests include music, books, and short trips around town. A great way to get him to rediscover the amazing person that you are is to get concert tickets for an artist or band that he likes that you can attend together.
Of course, affording concert tickets for a big-name musician isn’t always an option, so another thing to do that he’ll love is a spontaneous trip to somewhere nearby where the two of you can spend some time together. A picnic in a park with a good book can be a great way to remind him how wonderful you are.
4. CANCER (June 21 – July 22)
This man is highly sentimental and intuitive, which means that sometimes the best way to make him appreciate you again is to remind him how much you care. He’s lucky to have someone that loves and understands him, and sometimes even most the intuitive zodiac signs could still use a little reminder.
This guy is very much into art, so a great way to get on his radar is to tap into your own creativity and make him a personalized painting. Now, if painting isn’t your favorite activity, even just a nice, hand-written letter or card is a great way to get him appreciative of you again.
5. LEO (July 23 – August 22)
Although a Leo is generous, this zodiac sign can be quite self-involved as well, which means that they can give off the perception that they don’t appreciate those around them. When it feels like you are being taken for granted, the last thing you want to do is treat that person like a king.
Instead of coming up with things to just treat him to, why not make it something that the both of you can enjoy and something that he will also gladly appreciate? A Leo man loves the theater and a good vacation. If you’re not feeling the theater, treat the two of you to a nice getaway instead. He will love the gesture from you.
6. VIRGO (August 23 – September 22)
A Virgo man has a strong weakness in that he can be overly critical of himself and tends to worry way too much about what others think of him. One of the best ways to make him appreciate you again is small gestures to bring him some confidence.
Remind him of his accomplishments. Tell him how proud you are of him. Being his biggest cheerleader will make him appreciate you, because encouragement and better self-esteem are two things that he could definitely use more of in his life.
7. LIBRA (September 23 – October 22)
Libras do not like being alone; They can’t stand it. If your man is feeling lonely or needs someone to talk to, take some extra time to spend with him. Life is very busy for many of us, but he will greatly appreciate that you went out of your way to spend time together.
Even simple vocal reminders are a great way to get him to be grateful for you. Telling your guy that you are there for him and that he isn’t alone will get him to remember just how fortunate he is to have you.
8. SCORPIO (October 23 – November 21)
A Scorpio man does not like dishonesty and passiveness in others. Although he lives to express his emotions, he also appreciates that quality directed back at him as well. The best way to get him to appreciate you is to always be honest with him.
Even something relatively simple like deciding where to go for dinner can be an opportunity for you to be upfront with him. If he suggests Chinese food and you don’t feel like having that for dinner, just tell him. He will love and appreciate you for being honest with him.
9. SAGITTARIUS (November 22 – December 21)
This guy loves to travel, be outdoors, and most of all, freedom. He doesn’t like it when people are too clingy or make him feel constrained, which means the best way to make him appreciate you more is to acknowledge and support his need for personal space.
This doesn’t mean you guys have to formally break up or anything, but just making sure that you don’t do everything together will make him happier and be more grateful to have someone in his life who understands that. Encouraging him to spend time with his friends too is a great way to show him that you respect his individual freedom.
10. CAPRICORN (December 22 – January 19)
This zodiac sign is particularly interested in family and tradition. A definite way to get him appreciative of you again is to show an interest in his family and any traditions they may have. You can suggest they spend some time with his parents to catch up and visit.
If he had mentioned a particular family tradition, like baking cookies for Christmas, suggest doing that together. He will love that you are sharing an interest in both family and tradition, which in turn will make him grateful to have someone in his life who does.
11. AQUARIUS (January 20 – February 18)
An Aquarius is a true humanitarian at heart. They are progressive and are dedicated to making the world a better place. The perfect way to make him appreciate you is to join him in some of his humanitarian endeavors.
If you know a particular cause that he is passionate about, look up some upcoming events for that cause and suggest that the two of you go together. He will be thankful to have you by his side, as he should be.
12. PISCES (February 19 – March 20)
Pisces men are very connected to music, spiritual themes, and compassion. They are also very friendly and selfless, which means that they are appreciative of others who are friendly and selfless towards them as well. A great way to make a Pisces man more appreciative of you is finding something that you think he will enjoy doing and taking the initiative to sign him up for it.
A great example of an activity for the Pisces guy would be a yoga class. The spiritual themes, calming music, and time to meditate on his own will be ideal for him. He will be so grateful that you thought enough of him to do something special like that.
By Jill Zwarensteyn for YourTango