The most loving month of the year has begun - the magic of waiting for Christmas and the end of the year definitely has something magical. That's why it's worth appreciating what we have even more and showing respect and gratitude to those who love us. Here are some suggestions on how best to do it.

To be present

In an age when, with the help of technology, we can be in several places at the same time, the greatest gift to give to another is true presence.

To be here and now is what each of us has to learn. While everyone's relationship is different, start by putting aside all possible distractions when you're alone, including your smartphone and social media. To love is to be present.

Besides, you can be present even when you are not together. For example, if you happen to miss dinner or a get-together, you can please your loved one with a sweet message on the way, but when you arrive, present something that your loved one likes best as an apology.

Listen

The ability to listen and be heard is one of the most valuable gifts you can give your partner, especially since conversations are the foundation of any successful relationship.

In a happy relationship, partners can turn to each other, trust and know that they will be heard. In today's fast-paced age, we tend to make the mistake of thinking that our physical presence is often enough, but our thoughts and attitudes should be just as present.

Make happy with small things

December is the time when big gifts and pompous declarations of love can and should be replaced by small and sweet things that will actually mean much more to the other person.

• Takes a cup of coffee to your loved one to work;

• takes the dog for a walk in the morning so that the loved one can sleep longer;

• cooks a delicious breakfast;

• or invite to the cinema on a seemingly normal weekday evening.

It is these little things that will make the other person feel valued and create a sense of security. And most likely, if you give, then you will also receive such small and sweet declarations of love from your partner in return.

Be emotionally open

Although December is known as the most peaceful month of the year, when we should calm down, it is often in the last month of the year that our calendar is overflowing with responsibilities at work, buying gifts, events, concerts and parties.

If we are not careful, we can turn into "grinches" very quickly and December can become the most unpleasant time of the year. To prevent this from happening, it is important to remain emotionally open and trust your partner about everything that is happening.

Time also makes you a happier partner

One of the most valuable things we can do, which will help not only ourselves, but also our partner, is to organize ourselves. One way to do this is to find peace within yourself. It can be at least five minutes of meditation every morning or a moment of respite in the middle of the working day - such five minutes can change the course of the rest of the day and make you feel much more peaceful.

Indulge in adventures

It is misleading to think that everything new and unprecedented should be postponed until the new year.

December is the perfect time to do something you've wanted to do for a long time, but have been putting off all year. Dance courses, starting sports together, going on a mini-trip for a couple of days - these are all ideas that can still be implemented this year.

FOTO: AINĀRS MAZJĀNIS ,  ILZE OSE , ĢIRTS RAĢELIS ,  LIENE LEONOVIČA ,  MAREKS ŠTEINS