What to say to your partner: 15 prompts for a video message
The things you mean to say and rarely do, with a one-line example for each. Pick one and talk for a minute.
Tell them what you noticed first.
“You laughed at your own joke before you finished it. I was done for.”
Record with this prompt →What is a small thing they do that you love?
“You hum while you cook and have no idea you're doing it.”
Record with this prompt →Describe your favorite ordinary evening together.
“Takeout, the dog between us, and you falling asleep before the ending.”
Record with this prompt →What did you learn from them?
“Patience. You never rush anyone, and I'm trying to be like that.”
Record with this prompt →What is a hard time you got through together?
“That winter with no work. We were scared and we were kind to each other anyway.”
Record with this prompt →What do you admire about them that they don't see?
“How you make every new person in a room feel welcome.”
Record with this prompt →What do you hope they do for themselves?
“Take the trip. Buy the good boots. Say yes to the choir.”
Record with this prompt →Tell them something you never got around to saying.
“I'm sorry about the kitchen argument in 2019. You were right.”
Record with this prompt →
What would you want them to do on a day they miss you?
“Go to the diner. Order the thing I always ordered. Tip too much.”
Record with this prompt →What is your favorite memory of them with the kids, or with family?
“You on the floor building that enormous train track, long after the kids lost interest.”
Record with this prompt →What is the best decision you made together?
“The small house with the big garden. You were right about that too.”
Record with this prompt →What do you hope for them in the years ahead?
“Company. Someone to argue with about the crossword.”
Record with this prompt →What song, place or meal will always be yours?
“The coast road in October. Windows down. You know the song.”
Record with this prompt →Tell them a story they've heard a hundred times.
“The one about the ferry, the suitcase and the goat. It still gets better.”
Record with this prompt →What would you say to them right now, if you could?
“Thank you for every ordinary day. They were the good part.”
Record with this prompt →
A few tips before you press record
- Talk to them, not about them. Use their name and say 'you'.
- Don't try to cover everything. One story, told well, is enough for one message.
- If you get emotional, keep going or take a break. Both are fine.