Gift #1. Communication.
Communicate how you feel on a daily basis. Even though you are not the kind of person who's good at expression. Let them feel at least once a day that they hold a significant place in your life and you trust them enough to share your vulnerabilities and have then share theirs. Try and be vocal. Appreciate their mind. Appreciate their body. And let them know you're grateful to be a part of their life.
Gift #2. Support
Be supportive of their dreams and passions and goals. Believe in them when they don't believe in themselves. This means more to people than they can express. Be their shoulder to cry on and the person they first come running to, to share their happiness with. Also, know that sometimes just your presence is enough support.
So, just be.
Gift #3. Trust
Letting someone know you trust them is a gift in itself. Being trusted is beautiful. Trust their decisions. Trust their visions for the future.
And with your trust in them, help them trust themselves again. And no, we're not talking about blind trust here.
Suggest, help, scold and advice them in the times they need you and then let them know you still trust them.
Gift #4. Honesty
Honesty is the best policy. Pretty good advice for every relationship. Especially romantic relationships. You owe honesty to the person who invests time and effort into building a relationship with you. Nobody likes playing darts in the dark and not knowing what they're getting into. Let them know what they mean, how much value they hold for you. Let them know, honestly.
Gift #5. Let them be
I think it's almost criminal to try and modify a person to suit your requirements. If the person you're about to get involved with doesn't have what you need from a partner, don't get involved in the first place.
Let your partner be their true self. How they were born. Let them have their freedom. Their freedom to choose and make decisions. Let them be crazy in their own way. And if crazy is not for you, step away.
The least you could do for the person you love is, let them be. Let them be themselves. They've got just one life, like you do.
Gift #6. Travel
Travel together. Explore places and plan fun adventures. Get to know their fears and learn how to calm them. Learn what they enjoy.
Beaches or mountains.
Summers or winters.
Observe how they behave around people other than you.
Notice their little mannerisms and habits and let them know what you love. Try different cuisines. Hog together. And tick things off your combined bucket lists together.
Gift #7. Space
Give them space. Nobody is obliged to constantly enjoy company. You both are not obliged to do everything together under the "committed" tag. Let them hang out with their friends and people you don't necessarily know.
There is a thin line between being concerned and protective and being possessive and overpowering someone's life.
It is absolutely possible to be committed and have two separate lives that satisfy your vision of the life you want.
Acceptance is the key. Acceptance of their wishes and a life they imagine for themselves.
