32 Warm Ways to Cheer Up Your Girl & Make Her Feel Better When She’s Down

Knowing how to cheer up your girlfriend is a lot easier than you might think. No, it’s not a mystery! You just need to understand her more deeply. 

how to cheer up your girlfriend

When it comes down to it, no relationship is smooth sailing 100% of the time. Neither you nor your girlfriend will be 100% happy all the time, which is why you need to learn how to cheer up your girlfriend when she’s feeling the blues.

There will always be a couple of ruts that will come by without warning. One of the reasons this happens is if one partner becomes moody and starts bringing negative energy into the relationship.

The good news is that women really aren’t as complicated as you think. They’re really easy to cheer up once you know what makes them happy. [Read: How to make a girl happy – 24 caring ways to make her feel loved]

Why is your girlfriend feeling bad?

The biggest part of learning how to make your girlfriend feel better is knowing why she is upset in the first place. Then you can help at the source, just listen, or do something specific to meet her needs.

We know plenty of guys that will go straight to flowers or candy when their girlfriend is upset but don’t know why. They pull something generic hoping it will fit the situation without the care and attention it deserves.

This can work for small things, but if she’s actually upset, these small and empty gestures won’t do much good.

If you notice your girlfriend isn’t quite herself, ask her what’s wrong. Don’t just ask because you think she wants to vent, ask because you care for her.

Ask because you hate seeing her upset and it hurts you too, not because it is annoying to deal with. [Read: Here’s your guide for how to make your girlfriend feel special]

When she is talking, listen. Really listen. Pay attention to what she is saying. What happened? Why did it upset her? Don’t look at the situation from a different point of view. Don’t tell her how you would handle it unless she asks. Just listen and try to understand.

Actually hearing her out and being a shoulder to cry on is the best thing you can do. It will mean more than going out and beating someone up for her any day. [Read: How to help someone up when they’re feeling down and depressed]

Why should you cheer her up?

The most obvious reason is that she’s your significant other so it’s only natural you want her to be happy. The second is that her negative energy can end up harming the relationship.

There’s nothing wrong with being sad, but if it goes on for a prolonged period, it’s easy for the relationship to be affected by what she feels.

The longer she feels down, the longer she won’t be her happiest and greatest version. Anyone would want a partner who gives all of them to the relationship, and she can’t do that if she isn’t at her happiest.

If you know how to cheer up your girlfriend, you’ll be helping both her and your relationship at the same time. [Read: How to make your girlfriend happy & feel like the luckiest girl ever]

How to cheer up your girlfriend when she’s feeling down

Luckily, there are several easy strategies that you can employ to help you turn your girlfriend from a sulk machine into a cheerful charmer.

1. Give her small surprises

At first, small surprises may not seem like they are very significant. However, they can actually go a long way when it comes to making her feel better.

When pulling off a surprise, you’ll find that it’s mostly the thought that counts more than anything else. It’s a way of saying you’re constantly thinking about her and that you love her.

This little boost of self-esteem and show of affection may help to lift her from her mood, so this is one of the best ways to learn how to cheer up your girlfriend. [Read: How to surprise your girlfriend and score brownie points]

2. Give her a massage

Perhaps the reason why your girlfriend is so moody is that she is just really stressed out. In this situation, a long massage may really help to de-stress her. Massages are so underrated, which is exactly why you should go do this overlooked thing for her.

And who knows, with the sensual contact a massage gives, she might be in the mood to return the favor in the bedroom! [Read: 20 things you can do to cheer her up and get her in the mood]

3. Take her on a special date

Taking your girlfriend to a really fancy restaurant can help to make her feel special and cared for. Maybe some wining and dining will help. Sometimes, all your girlfriend needs is a reminder of how much you love her, and what better way to show her than by spending time with her?

Most women love any excuse to get all dressed up to go out, and simply having a reason to look great can be enough to cheer her up. [Read: 33 awesome date ideas every couple should try]

4. Let her talk about what’s on her mind

You may be opening a can of worms, but doing this could help her get out a lot of her frustration. She may just have a bunch of pent-up emotional energy that needs to be expressed. When people repress their emotions, it’s possible to project those emotions onto their relationships.

If you want to know how to cheer up your girlfriend, then allow her to express whatever’s on her mind. Most importantly, do not make her feel invalidated or judge her emotions.

You don’t need to solve all her problems for her. All you need to do is to listen and be understanding. [Read: Ways to be a better listener in your relationship]

5. Watch girly movies and TV shows with her

It may be difficult for men to understand, but romantic comedies and TV series can nurture the female soul. So, if you watch them with her, you are really sailing with the wind at your back.

The fact that you’re willing to sit through a romantic movie just to make her feel better will mean a lot to her. The best part about this for her is that she also gets to spend time with you. It’s a good one-two punch.

6. Cuddle with her

As much as most girls normally love and need cuddling, their craving for it can go way up when they feel down about something.

Hugs can help alleviate any stress or anxiety she may be feeling at the moment. So even if you don’t say anything, sometimes a hug can do everything words can’t.

After all, hugs are a great remedy for a ton of stuff like negative emotions, stress, and even tiredness. [Read: How to hug a girl – 25 tips to cuddle a girl the way she wants to be hugged]

7. Do things she likes that you normally wouldn’t do with her

What’s that one thing that your girlfriend always asks you to do with her, but you hardly ever get around to doing?

It could be going shopping during a sale, picking out a new shade of lipstick, or even hiking through the woods despite being a homebody.

It might not be a big deal for you, but it’s everything for her. The fact that you’re willing to accompany her with the things she loves doing will mean a lot. It’s sure to bring a smile to her face, and she’ll remember the gesture in the future. [Read: 65 couples activities and fun things to do that’ll make you feel closer than ever]

8. Try to make her laugh

Throughout your relationship, you may have learned some things that really make your girlfriend laugh. It could be your impression of her sister, a funny story that doesn’t get old, or even an inside joke that you’ve always found amusing.

This is one of the best ways of how to cheer up your girlfriend. Pulling these out unexpectedly can entertain her and make her laugh even if she is feeling down. [Read: How to make a girl laugh, smile, and like you instantly]

9. Be very physically affectionate with her

Girls are naturally affectionate individuals, so if you want to know how to cheer up your girlfriend, then physical affection is the way to go.

Whether it’s a simple kiss, hug, hand-holding, or putting your arm around her, go for it. Physical affection can definitely help provide emotional support, and it may be exactly what she needs. [Read: How to be affectionate – 15 gestures that reveal your feelings best]

10. Cook her a nice meal

Spending hours preparing a lovely meal is just another way to show her that you care about her and that she means a lot to you. Cooking for your lover is another overlooked activity that you should really do more often.

It shows that you’re looking after her and willing to create a meal when she’s not feeling good emotionally and mentally. Also, if you’re good at cooking, the good food will help her to feel nourished as well. [Read: Romantic guy moves that are sure to make her smile]

11. Travel somewhere with her

It really is nice to just get away from it all for a while. Even if you can just take a day trip somewhere nearby, this can be very beneficial when thinking of ways on how to cheer up your girlfriend.

Sometimes, it’s all the escape she needs to get away from her thoughts, even if it’s just for a little while. Also, it’s refreshing to go to a different environment with your favorite person. [Read: 15 reasons why you should travel at least once a year]

12. Help her with some cleaning

Although you may dread this option, there’s a chance that she could really appreciate it. Especially if you live together and do most of the cleaning, this can really go a long way.

Let’s admit it – nobody loves doing chores at all. But you’ll be surprised by how much she’ll feel better if you help her. [Read: How to make a girl happy – 28 simple things that matter the most to her]

13. Compliment her

You can never go wrong with a compliment when trying to find ways on how to cheer up your girlfriend *not unless you’re that bad with words*.

It doesn’t matter what kind of compliment you give her, as long as it’s heartfelt, then she’ll appreciate this coming from you.

Say something nice about her smile, what she’s wearing, or better yet, compliment her goals, passions, and ability to achieve anything. That’ll turn around her frown upside down! [Read: The best compliments for girls – 25 genuine lines she’ll love to hear]

14. Give her a handwritten letter

Just like a compliment, you can never go wrong with a handwritten letter. Honestly, it’s the most genuine and heartfelt thing you can give to your partner.

You can never go wrong with writing everything you feel for your partner on paper *or anywhere really, as long as you mean every word*. It doesn’t have to be your anniversary for you to do something this romantic, after all. [Read: What to write in a love letter – all the tips you need]

15. Pamper her

Similar to the suggestion about giving her a massage, the best way to learn how to cheer up your girlfriend is to pamper her.

Whether it’s a spa day, doing her nails, or bathtub relaxation time, the best way to lift her spirits is to relieve all her tension. [Read: How to give a good sensual massage and work your magic]

16. Attend a party

Alcohol might not be the best way to cope with sadness and stress, but a party always distracts you just enough from whatever you’re dealing with. If you and your girlfriend attend a party with your friends, she’ll definitely have a great time.

This kind of dancing and partying might be exactly what she needs to realize that everything’s going to be okay and that she’s going to get through whatever situation she’s facing.

17. Hit the gym

Exercise releases endorphins and dopamine into your body, which are both feel-good hormones that make you happy. If you want to know how to cheer up your girlfriend, then maybe it’s time to take her to the gym.

Not all people can exercise when they’re sad, but if your girl is one of those who distract themselves with productivity throughout their sadness, this is the perfect way to lift her spirits. Maybe a few sessions at the gym are all she needs to feel better about herself. [Read: Benefits of exercise on your mind, body, and libido]

18. Visit some animals

Whether it’s at the park, a pet café, or even a pet store, her mood is guaranteed to brighten when you bring her around pets! We mean, what girl doesn’t love pets?

If you want a surefire way on how to cheer up your girlfriend, then pets are the way to do it. Seeing those puppy-dog eyes will soften her heart and bring her into a much better mood.

19. Keep a positive attitude

We know how easy it is to be affected when your partner is in a terrible mood, but being in a positive space is the best way to cheer her up.

If you match her negative energy, then she’s never going to be the happy and loving girlfriend she once was. She needs your light to remember what it feels like to have hope even in a dark situation. [Read: How to be positive – stop the downturn and find the silver lining!]

20. Acknowledge her presence

When we say to acknowledge her presence, we mean to make her feel seen and heard. Don’t just be with her, if your attention is clearly somewhere else. If you really want to know how to cheer up your girlfriend, then validate her existence.

Most importantly, don’t be complacent in loving her. Be patient in understanding what she’s going through and don’t try to pressure her if she’s not ready to feel better. Sometimes, just letting her be sad and prioritizing her needs is more than adequate.

21. Understand her perspective

Whatever she’s going through is emotionally painful. This is a good time to practice empathy and put yourself in her shoes.

How would you want someone to make you feel better if you were her? This could help you decide what you’ll do to bring a smile to her face. [Read: How to develop empathy and master the art of growing a real heart]

22. Remember that she might not want your advice

We all love to give advice to other people, but unless she asks for advice, don’t give it to her. Most people just need an opportunity to vent their emotions.

Hug her, listen to her problems, and if she asks, only then give her your opinion. [Read: How you can learn to be a better listener]

23. Show her the bright side

Though she’s having a bad day, things will get better. So, you can always try to find the silver lining in the situation and remind her of it. Maybe it’ll help her gain perspective on the situation and feel better.

24. Send her a sweet message

If you’re not able to be next to her, you can still show your love and support via text message. Send her a funny meme, a heartfelt voice message, or a text message showing your support and love. It’s really about the small things.

25. Give her space if she asks

You don’t need to be around her 24/7 to make her feel better. Remember, she’ll probably want some space on her own after you try to cheer her up.

She’s not going to forget whatever was making her sad instantly, it’ll take time. Give her the space she needs, when she needs it. [Read: The reasons why empathy is so important in a relationship]

26. Tell her and show your appreciation

Sometimes, all you need is for another person to tell you they care and appreciate you.

Showing and telling your appreciation can go a long way, depending on the issue you’re going through. Being reminded that you’re loved can help a lot.

27. Don’t try too hard

Listen, if she accepts your help and you help her feel better, that’s great. But you don’t want to try too hard. She may not feel comfortable sharing her problems with you, and that’s something you’ll need to respect. [Read: How to know when to give someone the space they need]

28. Be patient

Sometimes, we just have a bad day, and then after a good night’s sleep, everything is better. But she may be going through something a bit more serious than that, which means it’s going to take time for her to heal.

Be patient and understand whatever she’s going through is her own journey. [Read: How to cheer someone up and make them feel awesome again]

29. Let her be upset

Sometimes you can’t fix things. Sometimes the best way to make your girlfriend feel better is to let her feel bad. Let her just be sad, angry, or upset.

You can’t force someone out of their feelings. You may have the urge to cheer her up, but sometimes we just need to feel all the feelings. [Read: 23 foolproof relationship tips for men that’ll transform your love life]

30. Do not gaslight her

Her feelings are valid even if you disagree. So many times when a girl is upset, guys will say that she is just being silly or crazy. That is gaslighting, it invalidates her feelings to calm her down.

What your girlfriend needs to feel better is someone to listen to her and acknowledge her feelings, not make her feel like she is crazy. [Read: Playing games in your relationship? When it’s okay and when it’s NOT]

31. Let her vent

Let her get it all out. Ask her what happened or how she’s feeling or why she’s feeling that way. Let her rant. Don’t offer advice or a fix-it. Just let her get it all out. That may be all she needs.

32. Tell her you understand and agree that it sucks

Sometimes we just need to hear that it sucks. We know it does, but having someone agree and say, “That sucks,” can be such a relief. It validates our feelings and reminds us that we have every right to feel this way. [Read: How to show empathy and learn to share someone’s feelings]

It’s time to start cheering up your girlfriend!

It’s really not that difficult to cheer up your girlfriend. Women are very affectionate and loving in nature, so that’s one way to make her feel better – by just reminding her how much you love and care about her.

Remember, we all go through things in life. Sometimes it’s just a bad day and other times it’s more than that. As her partner, you’re supposed to be there through the good and bad. So learning how to cheer up your girlfriend is part of your job!

[Read: How to cheer someone up – 36 ways to help them feel awesome again]

It’s not always easy to get out of a rut. But if you want to know how to cheer up your girlfriend, it’s just about being attentive and supportive of her needs, every step of the way.

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Preeti Tewari Serai
Preeti Serai
Preeti, the founder of LovePanky, is an eternal optimist and believer in the beauty of love and life. With an exhaustive experience in love, relationships, and ...