Some wait weeks, months, years even to hear those three words guaranteed to give validation and definition to a ~blossoming~ romance, but as many relationship experts would argue, the weight the short phrase carries can actually be outdone by many more significant.
While everyone loves to hear they’re adored, eHarmony relationship expert, Jacqui Manning, explains that feeling valued and respected is just as important.
The phrase: “You make me want to be a better man/woman.”
What it means: Being around you makes me feel so happy that I’m inspired to keep growing and learning, as long as you’re by my side.
The phrase: “Thank you for everything you do for me.”
What it means: I appreciate each and every little thing you go out of your way to do with the purpose only to better my day.
The phrase: “We make a great team.”
What it means: You have skills and qualities that I don’t have and together we really make a beautiful whole. There’s no one else in the world I would rather share my life with.
The phrase: “I love the way you have my back.”
What it means: Even though we may disagree on some things, I love the way that you always support me as a person. It makes me feel completely safe and secure that you’re on my side.
The phrase: “I love watching you…. run/give a speech/play an instrument/play with our child.”
What it means: I acknowledge and value you as a unique individual, and seeing you express their unique self brings me joy. Standing back and admiring your partner gets you to see them in a refreshed way, giving you a chance to appreciate them as a person, not just a partner.
DATING IN AUSTRALIA
Recent data collected by eHarmony finds:
52 per cent of us won’t ask a crush to be our Valentine for fear of rejection
Nearly half of Aussie singles (44 per cent) have never received a Valentine’s Day card
31 per cent have not received a message from ‘cupid’ in over a decade
34 per cent admit they harbour a secret crush
Of those with a secret crush:
67 per cent of women admitting to sexual tensions with a local barista
54 per cent are stuck in the friend zone
11 per cent admit to a secret affection for a work colleague
and a cheeky 2 per cent even admitted to lusting after their best friend’s S.O.
