Between living through a tough year, navigating distance learning and/or working from home, and all the usual stress of marriage after kids, it can be easy to feel like right now is a tough time to feel loving and loved in a long-term relationship.
The truth is that every marriage can go through rough patches, which is why it is so key to take a moment to appreciate those times when a partner does something that makes a person feel especially loved and valued. While TV shows and movies love to show people making grand romantic gestures (usually while running through the rain or a crowded airport), the truth is that real love can be shown in gestures as small as a hot cup of coffee.
We talked to 15 moms who shared the last time they felt especially loved by their partner and there are some awfully sweet stories out there! Read on to feel a little dose of happiness and hope for the day!
Birthday Love
"I just celebrated my birthday, and my hubby worked with my 9-year-old daughter to make earrings for me using some jewelry making supplies we had. It took time, effort, and they worked together to make something for me that is so much more meaningful than something they could have purchased. First time for my hubby to make me something (other than food)." — Stephanie J., Minneapolis, Minnesota
The Gift of Time
"Most recently it’s been how supportive he is of me writing my book! Not only does he make time for me to write (which means he manages the three boys solo and will often make dinner too!) but he listens to me read excerpts and offers feedback. He reminds me that I have a gift with words and getting at the core of the human condition. He is a gift to me." — Kate R., Toledo, Ohio
Shopping Buddy
"Yesterday he drove me around to three different stores so I could find ski poles. He's always a willing partner in my shopping plans (whereas I would have complained the whole time if the situation was reversed, ha!). He doesn't make grand gestures, but the day-to-day acts of service and support are constant and how I know he loves me." — Michaela A., Fargo, North Dakota
Loving Example
"My husband makes me a hot breakfast and coffee every day. He also tell my kids, daily, 'You know what? … I love your mama.' Sounds silly, and the kids roll their eyes, 'yeah we know you love Mom,' but I know for sure when my kids think back to their childhood someday when they’re old, they will remember that their papa really loved their mama." — Mary H., Casa Grande, Arizona
Outside Time
"He took the kids outside to play yesterday while I was at work. Outdoor activity is important to me and sometimes when I'm work, the kids end up watching a lot of TV. He listened and I appreciated that." — Kelsey S., San Jose, California
Mental Health Support
"The other night I was having dark anxiety-ridden thoughts. I was in my den painting, while my husband was in the living room working on a project of his own. I teasingly called out to him, 'I miss you! I need someone to stop my dark thoughts.' He popped his head in the door, grabbed all his stuff and set up shop next to me. He was uncomfortably and awkwardly seated, but he was happy to accommodate. He just knew I needed him near." — Melanie H., Charleston, South Carolina
Morning Coffee
"This morning, my husband made the coffee, got the kids breakfast, and oldest on distance learning so I could get downstairs to work. About 10 minutes after I started work, he came down with a breakfast sandwich and a coffee refill." — Bridgette D., Hastings, Minnesota
Gas Up
"I have a really busy week this week and when I got in my car this morning, I found a full tank of gas and two water bottles waiting for me. A small thing but it just made me smile and feel loved." — Sara O., Gainesville, Florida
Little Things
"On the weekends, we used to all go as a family to get the shopping done, now just my husband goes, but that’s not the part that gets me. It’s that he always stops to get me a fancy coffee at my favorite place on the way home. It’s so much better than flowers and gives me such warm feelings of love. It is simple, but keeps that love alive!! (He does other, more major things, but again, this one gets me)." — Britta O., Oakdale, Minnesota
True Partner
"My husband fully manages several things that keep our household running — laundry, dishes, gas in my car, getting prescriptions filled and picked up for the family, etc. Knowing that I have a true partner and don't have to manage everything on my own means so much." — Nelle S., Colorado Springs, Colorado
Dad Love
"He is such a good girl dad and tells them (and me!) all the time that he hopes they'll grow up to be as strong and smart as I am. I love seeing how he loves all the ladies in his life." — Toya H., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
TV Romance
"He binge watched Bridgerton with me, even though he is so not a soapy romance kind of guy! I felt loved to have cuddle time together, and he was happy because, um, let's just say I found some of the episodes to be inspiring." — Nicole D., Provo, Utah
Yes to a Hot Tub
"My husband is super practical and super frugal so when he said 'yes' to getting a backyard hot tub. After almost a year of being home with the kids and a long Iowa winter approaching, I so need this for my sanity and having him on board for it too made me feel loved." — Amy O., Altoona, Iowa
Sleepy Time
"My husband always gets up with the kids on the weekend mornings so I can sleep in as late as I want. Waking up at 10 a.m. on a Saturday to kids who are already fed and dressed makes me feel loved." — Suzy K., St. Paul, Minnesota
Finish First
"When it comes to getting frisky, he always, always, always makes sure I finish first. It is sexy as hell and it makes me feel loved because I know that making me feel good makes him feel good." — Name withheld by request
