Try These Cute Ways To Say Goodnight To Your Loved Ones

Medically reviewed by Melissa Guarnaccia, LCSW
Updated October 14, 2024by BetterHelp Editorial Team

Saying goodnight is a common ritual in many homes that reinforces your bond with those you love. Whether the people you love live with you or elsewhere, you can remind them how you feel with several cute ways to say goodnight. You may prefer to say goodnight differently each night or choose a few suggestions as signature phrases. 

Cute ways to say goodnight to your romantic partner

Connections between romantic partners are unique, so you might already have some good ideas about what they find cute. Keep what you know of your loved one in mind as you explore the loving and cute ways to say goodnight to your romantic partner highlighted below.

Give a massage before you tell them good-night

Touch can be a powerful bonding tool when consensual. Some people enjoy getting a massage from their partner, which can also be a relaxing way to prepare for sleep. If one of you isn't into giving or receiving massages, you can also try stroking or brushing your partner's hair before bed or cuddling. Any physical affection that causes a sense of affection and love can be a positive way to connect. 

Touch, as a form of achieving healing and well-being, has scientific and biological roots. According to neuroscientist Edmund Rolls, touch activates the part of the brain linked to a sense of reward and compassion. In addition to signaling safety and trust, touch has various physical effects on the body, calming the cardiovascular system and releasing oxytocin, which plays a role in social bonding and is often called the “love hormone.” 

In one study, participants in an fMRI brain scanner were blasted with a loud white noise. They responded by showing signs of stress and threat. However, those with a romantic partner stroking their arm while this happened didn’t respond similarly. This study shows the possible benefits of touch therapy, as well. While touch may seem like a simple gesture, it is one of the foundational ways humans can connect with and appreciate one another.

Getty/Willie B. Thomas

Tell them why you appreciate them

Showing gratitude to your partner is another way to tell them goodnight. Expressing how you are grateful for their presence in your life lets them know that you have been thinking about them throughout the day and pay attention to what they do for you. You might say goodnight in this way through the following phrases:
  • "Thank you for picking up avocados on your way home. I appreciate you."

  • “I loved our time together today. Thank you!” 

  • “Every day with you is so beautiful.” 

  • “I am so glad I am your partner.” 

  • “Thank you for being my best friend and my rock.” 

  • “Thank you for loving me.” 

  • “I’m so grateful for our family.” 

It could also be helpful to express your appreciation in your partner’s love language. Love languages include acts of service, physical touch, quality time, gifts, and words of affirmation. Using their love language when you say goodnight can be a quick way to show love. For example, if your partner’s love language is physical touch or acts of service, you might say goodnight with a hug or perhaps draw a bath for them.

Send a text message and wish them a good night’s rest

If you can't be at home with your romantic partner or don't live together, having a bedtime ritual to say goodnight may still be meaningful. Consider sending a goodnight text when you and your partner are in separate places. You don't have to overcomplicate it necessarily. Tell them you love them and wish them sweet dreams.

You might encounter various opinions online or in your personal life about how often you “should” be sending a goodnight text and whether you should send one daily. Try not to worry about the expectations of others. Find what is comfortable and natural for your relationship and your partner, and go forward from there, even if you’re in a long-distance relationship.

Getty/Halfpoint Images

Cute ways to say goodnight to your kids

Tucking your kids into bed and telling them goodnight before they drift off to sleep can create a strong bond. The best way to tell your kids goodnight depends on their preferences, so keep them in mind as you consider the following cute and creative ways to say goodnight.

Read a bedtime story

Bedtime stories are an ancient tradition parents can use to bond with children at bedtime. Children often love story time before bed because they know they are getting their parent's full attention during this time. In addition, they may miss your attention while at school, during childcare, or in the busy evenings when you're preparing dinner.

There are many benefits to reading to your children, both in terms of your relationship with them and their development as people. Reading to children helps in their social, emotional, and character development. One study linked reading to decreased aggression, hyperactivity, and attention difficulties.

The author of the same study included that was in part because children learned to express their feelings better, which can be a critical skill for humans. Expressing emotions allows individuals to connect with others better, control behaviors, and be less volatile with emotional expression. 

Sing a pretty or special song

Having a special song to sing together may help parents and children bond. For young children, the sound of your voice can be incredibly soothing. In addition, if you teach your child a special song, they may someday choose to pass it down to their children as an adult, if applicable. Singing to children, especially young children, can also aid development and assist them to think in words and grow their vocabulary.

Relieve their fears before you say goodnight

Children go through various phases where fear, whether rational or irrational, can make it difficult to drift to sleep. Fears may also sometimes cause them to wake up with nightmares. You can create a ritual that helps to remind them that their fear won't come true. For instance, if your child fears monsters getting in through the window or closet, label a bottle of water essential oil spray, or vinegar as "Monster Repellent." Spray it wherever your child thinks monsters might creep in and leave it for them at night so they can use it if they wake up scared. Even if it seems silly, it may help young kids feel relaxed.

Ask questions about their day

Asking your children about their favorite part of their day can help them reflect on their positive experiences and recall information. Asking them what they are excited about in preparation for the following day or week can help them end the day positively and get them excited and prepared for the future. 

Dream up cute ways to say goodnight together

Coming up with something alongside your child can make it all the more special, and many children delight in working on fun projects with their parents. Consider asking your kids if they have a favorite way that you say goodnight to them. 

Remember to ask them if they have any fun ideas for you to do together to tell each other goodnight. You can try suggesting some of the ideas listed above to get their creativity going or come up with your own. 

Getty/Vadym Pastukh

Talk to a professional to find more cute ways to say goodnight

Strengthening the relationships in your life can be crucial. However, relationships can come with conflict and struggle in some cases. If this is true for you, you might consider speaking to a marriage and family therapist. 

Some families or couples may struggle to find the time or resources to attend in-person therapy. In these cases, you might benefit from talking to a professional online through a platform like BetterHelp for individuals or ReGain for couples. Online therapy, especially online cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), can also be as effective as a therapy session in a traditional office.

Studies show online therapy can be more effective for many clients in symptom reduction for mental health conditions and challenges, as well as in improving quality of life and offering cost-effectiveness compared to in-person therapy. 

Takeaway

There are so many ways to communicate love and affection for someone in your life. Whether you’re looking to say goodnight to a partner, friend, family member, child, or another loved one, consider the above options to get started. If you’re struggling in your relationships with your loved ones, you might also consider therapy with an online or in-person therapist for further guidance and support.
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