... things to show appreciation to DH/DP

[RadioWASP]

For the past months I've been super busy with work (including lengthy commute), help with a relative, a hobby where I'm involved in the organisation. As a result, I'm often out early, home later, and busy while here. I'm stuck in those situations for a while.

I've my DF reminded me of DH upcoming significant birthday. This morning I've Dsis telling me how patient DH must be, etc.

These made me feel concerned about very different lives. I was going to post in relationships, but decided I would not since while I'm super busy I'd also consider myself fairly happy with things.

... any ideas / simple things to show appreciation to DH/DP?

Do you actually need to do anything apart from what you normally do? If you are happy, and DH is happy, then no problem?

Say thank you. Compliment him. Hug him unexpectedly. Smile at him and listen to him when he chats. All the things you'd normally do, I guess.

Or what about saying that he's been a star the last few months while you've had so much going on, does he have a spare AL day that you can both book off to go out for the day together?

Did you explain to him what you are doing and why you are so busy? I'd say that would be a start.

Based on the limited information it does seem you have very separate lives. That might actually suit some couples. DH and I do a lot of things together, but we have a lot of shared interests.

If your hobby does take a lot of time, is it something your DH would like to be involved in?

If your hobby does take a lot of time, is it something your DH would like to be involved in? That would be some additional thing/time you have together.

My DH and I can be like this, I'm self employed at not very good at saying no to work, so end up working stupid hours with long commutes. I always acknowledge his input into helping me achieve this, whether it's by getting up at 5am to make me a coffee and pack me a lunch, or by simply letting me sleep on the sofa! I find it helps if we have something to look forward to that involves us spending time as a couple. That might be a date night, or is usually travel. I keep booking holidays (that have mostly been cancelled) as it gives us something to look forward to, and work towards as a couple. For instance, I'm taking Sept 2022 off work to spend a month Island hopping with DH. The flight out is booked, but no return yet. The next year will be spent sending each other images of places we want to go, areas we want to snorkel, food we want to eat etc. Each shift I work is paying for a couple of nights of accommodation, or a ferry, or a meal, and being out into our savings account. It helps us stay connected, and know that this crazy time will be over soon

Well, there's the obvious...

Opps, I posted this in wrong place. Meant for AIBU, so I'll repost there. Apologies, and thanks for the replies :)