The small things you do for your girlfriend are the ones that mean the most. Why? Because those are the things that show her you’re willing to put effort in for her, just because.

A good girlfriend knows that any man who waits until Valentine’s Day to romance is missing the point 364 days out of the year.

So, here are 12 small things that will actually have a big impact on you love life.

1. Paying attention

This one is totally free of charge, but will let her know what she has to say is important, and you’ll remember next time around.

2. Actually tell her how you feel.

Despite what you may think, your girlfriend is a not mind reader. So being open and honest about your feelings is key. She will appreciate you respecting her enough to open up to her.

3. Clean up after yourself.

We’re not all Mary Poppins. Some of us have *cough* slothenly ways. So going that extra mile and tiding up just for her is a good thing (and not just in the honey moon period either).

So…

A: You have your own place, which she visits, in which case she will appreciate you keeping it clean.

B: You share a place, in which case she will really appreciate you keeping it clean.

C: She has her own place and you spend time there, in which case it is imperative that you help keep it clean. It’s not really that hard.

4. Don’t take forever to respond to her text.

You don’t have to be completely glued to your phone, but you probably are anyway. If she texts you, at least have the courtesy to text her back in a reasonable amount of time. It will show her that she is a priority to you even when you’re busy. It just takes a few seconds.

5. Watch what she wants to watch.

Maybe you couldn’t care less about the Orange is the New Black, but being in a relationship isn’t always about only taking part in your own interests, it’s also about taking part in things that your partner enjoys, even if it’s not your favourite.

6. Learn to cook.

If you don’t already know how, learn at least one or two dishes to make for her now and then. It doesn’t have to be anything extravagant.

7. Give her massages.

She’s had a long day. And even if she hasn’t, it’s an excuse to get physically close to her and make her feel relaxed. As if you needed an excuse for that, though.

8. Take her on a date.

It doesn’t matter how long you’ve been together; you should never stop dating. Whether it is out to dinner or a night on the town, it is important to not let things get stale.

9. Whatever you’re getting, get her one too.

Going out to grab a coffee? Getting up to get some water? Don’t come back empty-handed. Even though it’s something tiny, she will appreciate your thoughtfulness.

10. Give her space.

The only thing worse than a woman who doesn’t give her girlfriend enough attention is a woman who gives her too much attention. Sometimes she just wants to read a book or watch a trashy TV show by herself. Respect her alone time, it will allow her to rest and reset, and she will love you for it (especially if she doesn’t have to ask).

11. Listen. Just listen.

Often, when we hear about an issue we are compelled to attempt to come up with a suggestion or solution. When your girlfriend vents to you, that’s not what she’s looking for.

She wants you to simply listen and at least make an attempt to understand. She doesn’t want you to give her the answer.

12. Don’t talk badly about your ex(es).

Your girlfriend understands that how you speak about those from your past is usually more of a reflection of you than it is of them. Someday, if your relationship ends, you are basically predicting to her how you’re going to talk to your friends or your next girlfriend about her. Not very reassuring.