Relationships are all about the little moments, and you don’t need to plan sweeping, over-the-top romantic gestures to keep everything rosy. Well, not often, anyway. If you’re looking for easy ways to have the best relationship ever, here are a few thoughtful things you can do for the special guy or girl in your life. Trust us, they won’t go unnoticed.

Small acts of kindness

Everyone likes a treat, and your significant other is probably no different. Whether it’s a well-timed compliment, a cute note, a chocolate bar or a freshly picked flower, it definitely won’t go amiss. You probably know them better than anyone, so it shouldn’t be hard to come up with the perfect little gesture. It doesn’t have to be expensive, either – just something to show you care and that you’re thinking about them.

Organise a date night

Even if you’ve been together for years, a regular date night is still a great idea. It’s a chance to spend some real time together, which doesn’t really happen when you’re caught up with work and/or the kids and/or the dog and/or anything else life can throw at you. It’s also a good opportunity to try new things, from salsa dancing to quiz nights to the Italian-Chinese-Mexican fusion joint down the road. Whatever it is, put in your diary and stick to it.

An hour of quality time

Speaking of which, you shouldn’t have to wait for date night just to hang out a bit. For one hour every evening, you should switch off your phones, TVs, tablets, laptops, and whatever else might distract you, and simply talk to each other about how your days have gone. It doesn’t have to last literally one hour, of course, but it’s important to carve out that time and give your partner your full attention.

Give them space

On the flipside, we all need some time to ourselves over the course of an average day. Sometimes you really do just want to spend every waking moment with someone, but you have to give them space to do their own thing. Just like they need to give you space to do your own thing. Independence is good, and it makes you treasure the times you are together even more.

Take up an activity together

Nothing strengthens bonds like overcoming challenges together, but challenges don’t have to be bad. Trying out a new activity with your partner can be tons of fun, and your options are practically limitless these days. Depending on the kind of things you’re into, you could try exercise, sports, cooking classes, book clubs, video games, walks, wine tastings, crafting sessions, or anything else you think sounds exciting. Have a look around and see what’s out there.

Let things go

One of the wisest mantras you’ll ever hear in life is ‘choose your battles wisely’. A big part of committing to a relationship with somebody is learning to compromise between their habits and your own, and you can both save yourselves a lot of grief by not getting worked up over every tiny thing that bothers you. For example, that one dirty dish left in the sink simply is not worth a full-blown argument. Take a deep breath, and like the Disney song says, just let it go.

It’s not too hard to prevent World War Three erupting over the dinner table. Still, if everything isn’t going smoothly, there’s plenty you can do to steady the ship.