It’s in a woman’s nature to be caring and loving, and this tendency usually comes out rather strongly when a woman falls in love. The problem begins when you become overboard by being too maternal, clingy, or possessive without realizing it. If you want to keep your guy, you should learn how to show your affection in a way that your partner would be able to easily appreciate it.

Tip #1: Timing is important when you show your affection.

There is a right and wrong time for all things, and being affectionate is no exception. You have to be considerate of not just your partner’s feelings but other people’s as well. If your boyfriend is the reserved type, for instance, then he might not feel comfortable about holding hands with you in front his boss’. If his parents are the reserved ones then it might also be better not to be touchy-feely with your boyfriend when you’re meeting them for the first time.

Being considerate may mean foregoing the chance to hug and kiss a few times, but being considerate is sure to make your boyfriend appreciate you more. It’s a win-win situation then.

Tip #2 Be creative when you show your affection.

Sometimes, it’s not enough to simply say the words. Even though you mean them every time you say it, they tend to lose their value when you say them too often. Sometimes, you just have to look for more creative ways to be affectionate. Anything goes, really, as long as you understand what your boyfriend is and isn’t likely to appreciate.

Tip #3 Never forget the little things when you show your affection.

You don’t have to spend huge amounts of money just to let your boyfriend know you care. Sometimes, it’s the little things that count the most. Laugh at his jokes, make a greater effort to understand his job, spend time with him fishing even though you hate it. In the end, it’s really the thought that counts.

Tip #4 When you show your affection, your aim is to please your guy and not yourself.

This is a cardinal rule that women unfortunately often forget. When you feel jealous or insecure, for instance, you could feel the urge to cling to your boyfriend just so that everybody knows whom he belongs to. You become overly affectionate, calling him all the endearments you can think of.

While you’re being too busy making goo-goo eyes at your guy, you fail to realize that the object of your affection has become an object of embarrassment as well. Unless your guy is completely dense or insensitive, he’s sure to know that you’re doing all these things not because you want to show your affection. You’re doing it because you’re jealous and insecure, which is not only unfair but also an immature thing to do.

Put yourself in your boyfriend’s shoes. You want him to be affectionate with you without any ulterior motive, don’t you? It’s the same for him. Show your affection for him because you care for him and for no other reason than that.