by M. Morrison

Created on: November 29, 2010

As relationships progress, it's easy to get so comfortable that you start to take your girlfriend for granted. Ultimately, no matter how easy going and down-to-earth your girlfriend is, a lack of appreciation can only lead to resentment. The good news? Unless you have an unusually high-maintenance woman on your hands, we are relatively easy to please, and there are a few tried and true ways to let her know that you appreciate everything she does for you.

- Tell her. Perhaps the simplest way to let her know that you appreciate her is to just flat out tell her. Don't tell her fifty times a day, but do make it known that you're aware of the things she does for you and that you're thankful. It may be a small gesture, but it can make a big difference.

- Listen to her. When she drops hints, take them. Whether she wants flowers or a romantic night out, if she's hinting at it and you're able to do it, then, well, do it! Every woman wants to know that she's being heard in her relationship, so show her that you're listening to her and are willing to read between the lines at times if it means making her feel good.

- Do small things for her. Think of all she does for you, and come up with as many ways as you can to take some of the load off of her. That might mean splitting the chores list in half on your day off or picking up a small chore or two after work every day (like clearing the table and washing the dishes after dinner).

- Compliment her. To you, it might be obvious that you think she's attractive, smart, funny, and so on. But women like to hear it from time to time, too. Think about what you find attractive about her, and tell her just because you can.

- Do something special to show her how much you appreciate her. You can buy her flowers, make her breakfast in bed, surprise her with a gift to say 'thank you', have dinner waiting for her when she comes home, run her a bath, plan a romantic evening for the two of you or offer to take on all her jobs while she goes out with a couple of her friends for a spa day.

- Spend time with her! It's simple and it's nice for the both of you. Whether you take her out for a romantic dinner or just cuddle up on the couch to watch her favourite movie, you'll have a good time and she'll love that you set some time aside just for her.

No matter how you choose to show your appreciation for the special woman in your life, remember to mean it - a forced gesture means nothing. Even the smallest gesture, when it comes from the heart, can make all the difference.

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