Identifying what you consider the bare minimum in relationships does not make you a superficial person. It is a sign you know your worth.
Sometimes our methods for expressing or receiving love can get lost in translation. After all, everyone has their own unique love language. This is not, however, an excuse for less than bare minimum behavior. Verbalizing how one shows or receives love can fix this.
Still, there are things you wouldn’t allow your friends to accept. Treating yourself with the same grace you would offer them is recommended.
Lean into the standards, principles and boundaries you previously set. Saying “absolutely not” to certain ideas, or lack of effort, is perfectly acceptable. Anything less than the bare minimum, on the other hand, is definitely unacceptable.
What’s the bare minimum?
Regardless of your opinion of Valentine’s Day, it is an opportunity to express gratitude and share words of affirmation. Acknowledging the day, celebrating the concept and expressing love verbally is almost a requirement. It is the bare minimum.
If you thrive on words of affirmation, hopefully, you get sweet, motivational texts daily–if not daily, at least for Valentine’s Day! All it takes is a few words.
Feeling thought of and respected by someone important creates a safe space in any relationship. Simply checking in throughout the day helps to create this space.
Sometimes the best way a person can show support or love is through listening. A partner who listens or makes the time to communicate meets the minimum requirement.
Quality time is also the bare minimum. If you love quality time, the least your significant other can do is spend time with you. It should be a priority!
Taking the time to have a chat, watch a movie or do something together, even if only for an hour, shows great regard, at least. It doesn’t even have to be anything fancy or expensive. For example: legally being together at home enjoying takeout food qualifies.
Expressing love shouldn’t end at quality time though. Small tokens of appreciation are also valuable. Chocolate usually fits the criteria. However, this is certainly more of a personal preference.
Nevertheless, the point is small tokens don’t need to be anything grandiose. Even a cutesy, DIY card serves as a sign of love, respect and value. Small gestures qualify too. These could include getting your favorite coffee order delivered, taking up a chore or cooking up a home-cooked meal–simply putting in the effort.
Expressing their love through the things you like, whether it’s music, movies, food or shows, is the bare minimum. This shows interest.
Note: saying “thank you” for these small things also has a meaningful impact. In case someone forgot their manners today, “thank you” is 100% the bare minimum.
And if someone forgets to say “thank you,” and it causes a rift, apologizing is the bare minimum. So is facing rough patches, because avoidance is not healthy.
Overall, respect and compassion are the bare minimum.
Regardless of what you choose to or not to accept today, or any at all, do not let other’s handling or mishandling of you and your time define your self-worth. You shouldn’t give anyone so much power!
Remember: You glow differently the moment you learn how to be in control of your happiness. Recognize you deserve kindness, and accept nothing less.
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