If you are casually dating a guy, you probably have hopes that he will fall deeply in love with you and that you’ll stay together forever. We'll walk you through the best ways to increase your connection and build a strong and healthy relationship with him. If you’re understanding, considerate, and fun, your relationship may reach a new level before you know it!

2

Do sweet, romantic things for him often.

  1. This helps keep the spark alive in your relationship. Remember that romantic feeling you felt when you first got together? You want to keep that going no matter how long you've been dating! Show your boyfriend how much he means to you so you can keep your passion alive.[2] Here are some things that you can do:
3

Discover new things to do together.

  1. Try out a variety of new activities together to keep things interesting. Take a trip to a new hiking spot once a month, explore a new part of the city together, take a dance class, or even start a two-person book club. Finding new things to enjoy together can deepen your bond and make you love each other even more.[5]
    • You don’t have to try too hard to do something new. Just one completely new thing every few weeks will do the trick; it’s important to find a routine you love, too.
    • Be spontaneous. If you wake up on a Saturday morning and feel like painting your room yellow or taking a trip to the beach together, then go for it.
  2. Advertisement
5

Keep things sexy.

  1. You want things to stay exciting in the bedroom. Whether you’re having sex or just making out a lot, make sure to keep that momentum going, even if you’ve been together for a while. Don’t make your boyfriend feel like you’re only hooking up because he wants to, but because you’re really feeling it, too. That said, you should never feel pressured to do more than you’re comfortable with just to please your boyfriend.[6]
    • Every relationship moves at its own pace and you shouldn’t have sex with your boyfriend if you’re not ready.
    • If you two are sexually active, then make sure there’s still time for foreplay, affection, and some cuddling afterward, so you don’t take each other for granted too much.
  2. Advertisement
7

Make time for your own interests.

  1. Keep being that independent person he fell for when you started dating. Keeping a meaningful life going outside of your relationship helps your boyfriend realize it's a privilege to spend time with you. Write poetry, hang out with your friends, or take daily yoga classes. Try anything that benefits your own personal growth.[8]
    • If he thinks that you have all day, every day to spend time with him, then he may take you for granted.
    • Making time to see your other friends helps you live a well-rounded life and encourages you to grow as a person.
  2. Advertisement
8

Communicate in a calm, respectful manner.

  1. Strong communication can make your boyfriend fall for you.[9] Talk to your boyfriend about your bad day. Ask him why he's upset if he's clearly not feeling his best but holding back. Bring up something that's been bothering you in the relationship in a tactful and respectful manner. Making a habit of having strong communication skills can help you and your boyfriend have a healthy and loving relationship.[10]
    • When it comes to having a serious talk, timing is be everything. Don’t bring up something that’s been bothering you for weeks 15 minutes before your boyfriend’s birthday party or job interview.
    • Listening is just as important as talking. When your boyfriend is trying to tell you something, make sure you really listen to what he’s saying instead of waiting for your turn to speak or interrupting him.
9

Apologize when you've made a mistake.

  1. Admit that you messed up to earn your boyfriend's trust and respect. Look him in the eyes, put away your phone, and make him see how truly sorry you are. Don’t make him think that you’re saying sorry just because you want something from him or because you feel like you have to. Let him see that you’re really troubled by what you did and that you’re determined not to do it again.[11]
    • It’s more important to admit that you’re human than to try to act perfect so that your boyfriend will like you.
    • Don’t say, “I’m sorry that you got mad when I…” because this puts the blame on your boyfriend. Instead, take responsibility and say, “I’m sorry that I…”
  2. Advertisement
10

Get along with his family.

  1. His family are probably the most important people in his life. When you see them, be friendly, make small talk, and be a considerate guest in his family’s home. If it’s just not working, try to be patient. At the end of the day, your boyfriend wants a partner that fits comfortably in his life.[12]
    • If his family really is truly cold and unwelcoming, work on maintaining a respectful distance from them and discuss the situation as sensitively as possible with your boyfriend.
    • Your boyfriend has known his family a lot longer than he’s known you. Don’t make him choose between you or them.

Expert Q&A
Did you know you can get expert answers for this article? Unlock expert answers by supporting wikiHow

  • Question
    How can you tell if someone really loves you?
    Kelli Miller, LCSW, MSW
    Kelli Miller, LCSW, MSW
    Relationship Coach
    Kelli Miller is a Psychotherapist based in Los Angeles, California. Kelli specializes in individual and couples therapy focusing on relationships, depression, anxiety, sexuality, communication, parenting, and more. Kelli also facilitates groups for those struggling with alcohol and drug addiction as well as anger management groups. She is the author of “Professor Kelli’s Guide to Finding a Husband” and the award-winning and best-selling book “Thriving with ADHD”. Kelli co-hosted an advice show on LA Talk Radio and is a relationship expert for The Examiner. She received her MSW (Masters of Social Work) from the University of Pennsylvania and a BA in Sociology/Health from the University of Florida.
    Kelli Miller, LCSW, MSW
    Relationship Coach
    Expert Answer

    Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

    Actions speak louder than words. If somebody is doing the things that they're telling you they're going to do, such as following through and planning a trip or talking about being kind and really being kind to you, it says a lot about their loyalty to you.
  • Question
    How do I make my boyfriend jealous?
    Kelli Miller, LCSW, MSW
    Kelli Miller, LCSW, MSW
    Relationship Coach
    Kelli Miller is a Psychotherapist based in Los Angeles, California. Kelli specializes in individual and couples therapy focusing on relationships, depression, anxiety, sexuality, communication, parenting, and more. Kelli also facilitates groups for those struggling with alcohol and drug addiction as well as anger management groups. She is the author of “Professor Kelli’s Guide to Finding a Husband” and the award-winning and best-selling book “Thriving with ADHD”. Kelli co-hosted an advice show on LA Talk Radio and is a relationship expert for The Examiner. She received her MSW (Masters of Social Work) from the University of Pennsylvania and a BA in Sociology/Health from the University of Florida.
    Kelli Miller, LCSW, MSW
    Relationship Coach
    Expert Answer

    Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

    If you're trying to make your boyfriend jealous, it means you want to get his attention. Try to just cut the games out of your relationship and have a conversation with him instead. Being vulnerable and direct with him will be a better option.
Advertisement

Warnings

  • These are only tips on ways to keep him. You cannot force someone to love you.
    ⧼thumbs_response⧽
  • If things just aren't working out between the both of you, there is nothing you can really do.
    ⧼thumbs_response⧽
Advertisement

About This Article

Kelli Miller, LCSW, MSW
Co-authored by:
Relationship Coach
This article was co-authored by Kelli Miller, LCSW, MSW and by wikiHow staff writer, Madeleine Criglow. Kelli Miller is a Psychotherapist based in Los Angeles, California. Kelli specializes in individual and couples therapy focusing on relationships, depression, anxiety, sexuality, communication, parenting, and more. Kelli also facilitates groups for those struggling with alcohol and drug addiction as well as anger management groups. She is the author of “Professor Kelli’s Guide to Finding a Husband” and the award-winning and best-selling book “Thriving with ADHD”. Kelli co-hosted an advice show on LA Talk Radio and is a relationship expert for The Examiner. She received her MSW (Masters of Social Work) from the University of Pennsylvania and a BA in Sociology/Health from the University of Florida. This article has been viewed 502,402 times.
11 votes - 76%
Co-authors: 20
Updated: March 11, 2022
Views: 502,402

Medical Disclaimer

The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.

Article SummaryX

If you want your boyfriend to fall in love with you, compliment him to make him feel good about himself. Keep things exciting by planning new activities the two of you can try, like hiking or visiting a new restaurant. To keep the romance fresh, send him cute text messages throughout the day, be affectionate with him, and schedule dates a few times a month. Remember that your relationship will be stronger if you give him the space to pursue his hobbies, and make time for your own interests as well. For tips on getting along with his family and friends, read on!

Did this summary help you?
Advertisement