Five ways to win your heart?

1. Candid, forthright honesty.  Tell me what you like about me.  Tell me what you think I can improve on (bonus points if you can offer suggestions on how to do so).  Tell me what you think about the world.

2. Active listening.  I love to tell stories.  I get this from my dad (he will tell stories even to customer support when looking for help – my mother is much more straightforward).  I will tell you a lot about myself in my stories, about what makes me tick, about what I am looking for in life.  If you ask me questions about what I’m talking about, I know you’re listening and that makes me feel very special.  

And yes, I know sometimes I blather on – to tie into #1 – please tell me to shut up if I am.  I would prefer hearing that to disinterest/disengagement.

3. Remembering my little quirks.  Like what my love languages are and why I distinguish between giving and receiving love languages.  Like what my favorite cut flowers to receive are (roses), but that I generally prefer live plants.  My favorite foods.  How sensory processing issues manifest for me and making a comfortable environment for me without the bad ones.  Know how I like my bacon cooked.  So on, and so forth…

4. Take me to the theater/opera.  Talk to me about theater and opera.  Seriously.  I love getting the opportunity to dress up and enjoy a show, then talk to someone about it afterwards so I can process it.

5. Hold my hand in public.  I want you to be proud/happy to be with me where we are and skin to skin contact, especially on hands, helps me feel very appreciated.