I have never been very high maintenance. In fact, it almost makes me angry to see a boyfriend or girlfriend so demanding of their partner in a relationship. At this age, it's unrealistic to expect your significant other to shower you with the most luxurious gifts all the time, and if they do, let's face it — Mom Dad dad probably spotted them the cash for it. I think it's important for us to appreciate the small things in life. Of course, they're no grand gesture in the physical sense, but doesn't it make you feel good to know someone was thinking about you enough to leave a little something where they know you'll find it? That's one of my favorites, but if you're like me, you love these:
1. Notes everywhere.
I love it when I get notes. My boyfriend does it all the time, and so do my parents. It's such a small thing that never fails to make me smile. Notes are something you can keep forever, instead of a screen shot of a cute text somebody sent you.
2. Food.
Anyone who knows me knows that I love anything that has to do with food. When someone brings me soup when I'm sick or leaves lunch on my desk at work, not only does it make me happy, it makes me feel loved and appreciated. Food is also a great way to end an argument for all you fellas out there trying to satisfy an angry woman. Buy her some of her favorite snacks, and she'll forget why she was even mad in the first place!
3. Capturing the moment.
In most cases, girls are the ones begging their boyfriends to take cute pictures with them. When it's the other way around, it makes us feel wanted. Because trust me, getting guys to take pictures is worse than pulling teeth and having a complete change in attitude makes all the difference! So smile, boys, it won't kill you.
4. Back scratches.
Need I say more?
5. Staying in.
It's so easy to go out to dinner and create small talk like it's a huge romantic ordeal. I'm the kind of girl who wants to stay home and whip something up in the kitchen (so I don't have to spend hours getting ready, duh). Staying in to watch movies all night is also one of my favorite things to do. There's no pressure to look nice or even act differently. You have the freedom to be yourself in your favorite, ratty sweats if you'd like!
6. Text messages — the right way.
It takes less than 60 seconds to shoot someone a text just to let them know you're thinking about them. And this applies to anyone! When was the last time you told your parents or grandparents you loved them? When was the last time you texted your best friend from high school to catch up for a minute? It's a great way to show someone you're considerate if you don't exactly have a lot of time on your hands.
The list could go on and on, but these are just a few of what means the most to me. In this day and age, we spend so much time trying to scheme up some elaborate plan to prove ourselves worthy for someone's attention. Instead of doing one big thing every now and again, try piling up the small things. It's in every song, movie, and book ever created. It's the little things, y'all.