Talking to each other about what you expect from your relationship is a great way to get closer to one another and to build a bond that is based on honesty and mutual respect. Try saying something like, “It would make me happy if we could be more affectionate toward each other. Would you be comfortable with that?”

Do not pressure her into giving you consent. Consent needs to be freely and genuinely given, otherwise it doesn’t count. If she tells you to stop doing something, you should immediately stop. It’s okay to ask her questions about how she is feeling and what might be wrong, but only after you have stopped.

Pushing you away Crossing her arms over her chest Turning her face away from yours Stiffening her body Avoiding eye contact Changing the subject Appearing silent or passive Crying

Try saying something like, “I really love spending time with you. And I enjoy hugging you and kissing you, but you don’t seem to like that as much anymore. Is there something wrong, or a problem that I can help you with?”

Offer your hand to her while you are walking through the mall, or while you are watching a movie together. Send her a cute text when you know she is feeling blue. Try something like, “Hey, cutie. Thinking of you!” If she’s swamped with chores at home, offer to lend her a hand.

If she’s wearing a pretty dress, say something like: “What a nice dress. It fits you perfectly. Summer, here you come!” If you notice she’s gotten her hair cut recently, react to it: “Did you get a haircut? It makes me notice how pretty you are. Not that I normally forget. . . " If she accomplishes something hard, tell her you respect her: “I’m proud of you. I knew that you were smart, but you keep showing me new parts of you!” Simple compliments work best. Try saying, “You have beautiful eyes,” or “When you smile, I light up inside. " Make sure the comments are genuine! Avoid the cheesy stuff. “You’re the sweetest thing I ever tasted, sugar muffin” is cheesy, but “I’m lucky to have you” is less so.

Try bringing her lunch or dinner out of the blue. If she doesn’t expect it, all the better. Figure out what she likes and bring it to her so you can share a meal together. Write her a nice letter once in awhile. It doesn’t have to be long or mushy. Tell her you think about her all the time, and why she’s special to you. Remember the things she mentions liking, and get her one of these things at a later date. This will be a nice gesture that shows her you care and that you listen to her when she talks to you.

If your girlfriend tells you that you’re too clingy, or she’s not really the affectionate type, learn to find a balance between what affection you want to show and what she is comfortable with.

Be silly together. Do impressions of celebrities, playact scenes you experienced together that day, or come up with your own silly words and inside jokes. Play harmless practical jokes. If she doesn’t like jokes, then ease up on her, or play a joke on someone else together.

Remember that wearing too much cologne or perfume can be overpowering and might actually turn your girlfriend off. Keep her feelings in mind. If she tells you that she prefers one scent to another, use that one when you are getting ready. Wash your hair regularly and let her play with it. This can be a fun, flirty way for her to touch you, if you’re both comfortable with that. Make your best effort to look clean and put together. Even if you’re going for a grungy look, you can still look clean and stylish.

Plan a movie-date, a dinner-date, or an activity (such as bowling, ice-skating, cooking classes, or a sports game). If she’s really interested in something, try to fit that into the date. Get her friends to help you. Try planning a surprise birthday party with her friends or with her family if you’re close to them.

Remember to keep up the small acts of kindness – like opening the door for her or asking for her opinion. If you know she’s having trouble with something – like a homework problem, a long grocery list, or a CD she can’t find – help her out. Show her that you think about her even when you’re apart. Be there for her when she’s sick. Bring her warm soup, cold sodas, and some movies you can watch together. Never forget the flowers. It doesn’t even have to be a special occasion to get her flowers. A single rose can make her feel valued and special.