how to be a better boyfriend

10 Ways to Be a Better Partner – The Definitive Guide

Do You Want a Better Relationship?

It takes two to tango. It also takes two to make a relationship work. Both of you have a responsibility to put their best foot forward and make the relationship work. However, when one partner isn’t fulfilling their end of the bargain, things can feel tense.

If you know you haven’t been pulling your weight in your relationship, follow our guide below to learn how to be a better partner.

Be a better partner.
Be a better Partner – by Josh Hild via Unsplash

10 Ways to Be a Better Partner

1. Be keen on communication: Great communication is key to what you see as the perfect relationship. Listening to your significant other, expressing your feelings and needs, and compromising when necessary will strengthen your relationship.

2. Spend time together: Planning date nights, surprising them with thoughtful gestures, and giving them undivided attention are things you can do.

3. Acts of service: Acts of service are a type of love language. Although love language preferences are unique to individuals, an act of kindness would make anyone feel loved and appreciated. Cooking them dinner, getting them flowers, or making their coffee are ways to be a more loving person.

4. Be that shoulder: Support your significant other emotionally by being the listening ear when they need to talk. If they ask for your opinion, offer sound advice. Encourage them when they need it, and always be their personal cheerleader.

5. Respect them: There are different ways to show your respect. They include respecting their opinions, choices, and boundaries. You can also discuss what respect means to them.

Be a better partner.

6. Don’t breach their trust: No relationship progresses without trust. Practice honesty and transparency with your partner and work to build and maintain trust.

7. Give your partner their space: Maintaining individual interests and hobbies is important in a relationship. Encourage your partner to pursue their passions and support them in their pursuits. This doesn’t mean you should act aloof or be too far away. The important thing is balance.

8. Be deliberate about your personal growth: Personal growth is essential for you and your significant other. Encourage and support your partner’s goals and dreams. You must work together to improve yourselves.

9. Be romantic: This may sound like a surprise, but an affectionate gesture or something romantic from time to time can make you a better partner. Keep the romance alive by consistently expressing your love and affection. You can surprise your partner with thoughtful gestures or plan romantic getaways.

10. Show them you’re grateful: Show gratitude towards your partner. Acknowledge and appreciate their efforts and contributions. To become a better partner, you must put in the work. Communication must improve on your end, and you must genuinely desire to improve your relationship.

Keep these tips in mind and make a conscious effort to improve your relationship with your partner.

Red Flags You May Be Portraying

better partner
be a better partner. Provided by: Mhrezaa via Unsplash

Some red flags may be subtle, while others can be glaringly obvious. Here are some of the key attributes of NOT being a better partner to your significant other that you should be aware of:

Perhaps You Are Bad at Communicating

It’s important to note that a healthy relationship is built on open and honest communication. If you’re the type to constantly avoid discussing your issues in your relationship or personal life, it may signify that you’re not committed to making things work.

Do You Have a Tendency to Be Jealous and Possessive?

It’s okay to be jealous sometimes.

However, it becomes possessiveness when it becomes excessive. If you’re constantly checking up on your significant other, controlling who they talk to, and getting angry when they spend time with friends and family, you don’t trust them.

better partner
Better Partner. Image provided by Andre Hunter via Unsplash

Do You Disrespect Your Partner?

You should treat your partner with respect and dignity all the time. If you belittle them, criticize them, or talk down to them, consider reevaluating your actions if you don’t want to lose the relationship.

Can You Be Abusive?

Physical, emotional, or psychological abuse is never acceptable. If you have ever hit, threatened, or intimidated your partner, get out of the relationship and seek help.

better partner
better partner. Image provided by Nick Herasimenka via Unsplash

You Have Cheated?

Cheating is a clear sign that you’re not committed to your partner.

Trust and respect are indispensable qualities in any healthy relationship. If you can’t stay faithful to your partner, you don’t respect them or the relationship.

Are You Lacking Empathy?

Understand and sympathize with your partner’s feelings and experiences.

Consistently dismissing your significant other’s feelings or being unable to empathize shows you’re not invested in the relationship.

Always remember that everyone makes mistakes and has flaws, but if you constantly exhibit these attributes, reevaluate your role in the relationship. Put in the work to improve yourself to make your partner happier.

better partner
better partner. Image provided by surface via Unsplash

How to Make Your Partner Happy

So, you want to make your significant other happier. Here are a few things you can try out:

  1. Pay attention to what they tell you: Listen to your partner when they talk and try to understand their feelings. Showing empathy by acknowledging their perspective and validating their emotions will make them happier.
  2. Make it obvious that you appreciate them: You must also show your partner that the things they do for you make you happy. Acknowledge what your partner does and who they are and appreciate them. A simple compliment or a thoughtful gesture can go a long way.
  3. Be supportive of their goals and aspirations: Encourage and support your partner in their dreams and aspirations. Offer help and resources when needed. These acts of kindness can make all the difference in a happy relationship.
  4. Show them how thoughtful you can be: Planning thoughtful surprises, like a date night, small gifts, and breakfast in bed, can display your love and affection for them.
  5. Make time for them: If you don’t make time for your partner, it’s a sign you aren’t committed to the relationship. Spending quality time together, doing things you both enjoy, or trying new experiences are things that happen in a committed relationship.
  6. Be transparent and honest: Communication is key. Be open and honest with your significant other and avoid keeping secrets.
  7. Be more patient and understanding: Things will not always be rosy for you and your significant other. If your partner is going through a tough time, be there for them by offering understanding and support.
  8. Share responsibilities and duties: Dividing household tasks and responsibilities equally and helping each other out whenever possible will make you both happier.
  9. Make them laugh: Laughter is a great medicine. It may also be the medicine your partner needs to be happier. Share funny moments and jokes to lighten up the mood.
  10. Be deliberate about physical intimacy: If regular physical touch goes missing from your relationship, neither party will be happy. Holding hands, hugging, and cuddling can strengthen your bond and bring happiness to your relationship.

Remember, relationships are about give and take. By making your partner happy, you can strengthen your relationship and bring joy to both of your lives.

Key Things That Will Make You a Better Partner

Be a better partner.
Be a better partner.

Being in a healthy and loving relationship requires effort from both partners. However, there are some traits that a significant other should possess to make the relationship strong, healthy, and long-lasting.

Check them out:

  1. You have good communication skills: Great communication is important for any successful relationship. A great partner should listen, express his thoughts and feelings, and understand his partner’s perspective.
  2. You’re trustworthy: The foundation of any relationship is trust. You need to be reliable and honest with his partner. What he says is what he does, and he does not keep secrets that could ruin the relationship.
  3. You have a sense of humor: Making your partner laugh is a great way to keep the relationship light and fun. Work on developing a good sense of humor to keep the laughter alive.
  4. You know how to compromise: Relationships are all about compromise. You’re a great partner if you can meet your significant other halfway.
  5. Your significant other can depend on you: You know you’re a great boyfriend/girlfriend if your significant other can rely on you. You must keep your promises and be there when your partner needs you to make them feel safe.

Conclusion

If you have made it this far, then you must have some idea of how to be a better boyfriend/girlfriend. It’s as easy as working on yourself and applying the tips discussed in this article. You’ve got this!

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