There’s a significant gap between feeling loved by your partner and merely feeling desired.

As we age, our physical beauty may fade, but that shouldn’t affect the love and affection we receive from our partners.

The key to this is not in maintaining a youthful appearance but in letting go of certain behaviors that might be pushing your partner away, rather than drawing them closer.

So, if you want to feel more loved by your partner as your physical beauty starts to change, it’s time to bid adieu to these eight behaviors. Let’s dive in, shall we?

1) Stop comparing yourself to others

Comparison is the thief of joy, they say, and it’s particularly true in relationships.

Many of us fall into the trap of comparing our relationships, or even ourselves, to others. This behavior can be incredibly damaging, especially when our physical appearances start to change over time.

Rather than focusing on how we stack up against others, it’s more beneficial to concentrate on the unique bond and love you share with your partner.

Remember, your partner fell in love with you for who you are, not for how closely you resemble a movie star or a model on Instagram.

Letting go of this comparison habit is a crucial step towards feeling more loved and cherished in your relationship, regardless of the changes in your physical beauty.

2) Trying to be perfect

Perfection, we chase it, yet it remains elusive. I certainly learned this the hard way.

A few years back, I was obsessed with maintaining a perfect image. I was so anxious about every wrinkle and every gray hair that appeared. I believed that my partner would stop loving me if I didn’t look flawless all the time.

But then one day, after a particularly stressful day of trying to keep up appearances, my partner sat me down. He told me he didn’t fall in love with me because I looked like a supermodel. He loved me for my quirks, my laughter, my strength and my kindness – none of which had anything to do with my physical appearance.

That day, I realized that striving for perfection was not only exhausting but also unnecessary. I decided to let go of this unattainable ideal and embrace myself as I am. And guess what? I felt more loved and valued by my partner than ever before.

So, remember, you don’t need to be perfect to feel loved. Your partner loves you for who you are, not for an idealized image of perfection.

3) Neglecting Self-love

Here’s something you might not know: the relationship you have with yourself sets the tone for all other relationships in your life.

There’s a popular saying, “you can’t pour from an empty cup.” This means that you cannot give love to others if you do not love yourself first. That’s why it’s essential to practice self-love and self-care, even as your physical beauty changes.

When you love and accept yourself, it radiates from within and affects how others perceive and treat you. It also helps to foster a deeper connection with your partner, making you feel more loved and cherished.

So, make sure to prioritize self-love. It’s the foundation of a strong, loving relationship with your partner.

4) Constantly seeking reassurance

While it’s normal to seek reassurance from your partner from time to time, becoming overly reliant on them for validation can put a strain on your relationship.

It becomes exhausting for your partner if they constantly have to reassure you of their love and affection. Over time, it could lead to resentment or frustration.

Instead, focus on building your self-confidence and self-esteem. Believe in yourself and in the love your partner has for you. It’s not tied to your physical appearance, but rather who you are as a person.

By doing so, you’ll not only feel more secure in your relationship but also more cherished and loved by your partner.

5) Fearing vulnerability

Opening up and showing our true selves can be scary. We often fear that our vulnerabilities will make us less attractive or loved. But the truth is, vulnerability is a powerful way to connect with your partner on a deeper level.

Being vulnerable means being honest about your feelings, fears, and desires. It’s about letting your partner see the real you, not just the surface-level image.

When we allow ourselves to be vulnerable, we invite our partner into our inner world. This creates a bond that goes beyond physical appearance and taps into the heart of what love truly is – acceptance, understanding, and compassion.

So don’t shy away from vulnerability. Embrace it as a strength, not a weakness. By doing so, you’ll likely feel more loved by your partner than you ever thought possible.

6) Holding onto past mistakes

Once upon a time, I made a monumental error in my relationship. It was one of those blunders that made me question whether I deserved love or not. I held onto this mistake like a weight, convinced that it somehow made me less lovable.

But here’s the thing: holding onto past mistakes doesn’t do anyone any good. It only serves to create a barrier between you and your partner and hinders the flow of love.

Everyone makes mistakes. What’s important is that we learn from them, forgive ourselves, and move forward.

When I finally forgave myself for my past mistake, I felt a shift in my relationship. The love felt more profound, more real. So let go of past mistakes you’re holding onto. They don’t define your worth or your ability to be loved.

7) Overthinking your partner’s actions

Overthinking can be a major roadblock in feeling loved and appreciated in a relationship.

Analyzing every little gesture or word from your partner can lead to unnecessary stress and anxiety. It can make you second-guess their feelings for you, especially if you’re already feeling insecure about changes in your physical appearance.

Remember, love is not a puzzle to be solved. It’s a feeling to be experienced. So, instead of overanalyzing everything, try to live in the moment and enjoy your relationship as it is.

By doing so, you’ll free up mental space to feel more loved and cherished by your partner.

8) Forgetting that true love goes beyond physical beauty

At the end of the day, it’s crucial to realize that true love is not about physical beauty. It’s about shared experiences, mutual respect, understanding, and above all, a deep emotional connection.

Your physical appearance might change over time, but these aspects of love remain. They’re what make your relationship unique and precious.

So don’t let changes in your physical beauty make you feel less loved. Embrace these changes as a natural part of life and remember that your partner loves you for who you are, not just how you look.

Final thought: Love is more than skin deep

The essence of love goes far beyond the physical realm. It’s deeply rooted in mutual respect, shared experiences, emotional intimacy, and personal growth.

As the famous saying goes, “Beauty is only skin deep, but love goes to the heart.”

Your physical beauty may change over time, but the love you share with your partner should only deepen. It’s important to remember that your worth is not tied to your physical appearance but to who you are as a person.

So let go of these behaviors that hold you back. Embrace change, nurture self-love, and cherish the bond you share with your partner.

Because at the end of the day, true love is about seeing and appreciating each other’s soul beyond the physical facade.

And there’s nothing more beautiful than that.