When we are in a relationship, it is often the center of our world. We want to have a healthy relationship that is built on trust. To show up for our partner in their time of need. And to know that they are also showing up for us.
But wanting to be a better partner and knowing how to do that are two completely different matters. It is something that most couples, at some point, will struggle with as the seasons of the relationship change. However, being a better partner for one another will vary from relationship to relationship.
Although being a better partner is different for everyone, generally, there are some common ways to do this.
What Does It Mean To Be A Good Partner?
Balancing each other’s needs and wants is important. It’s the sign of a healthy relationship built on a solid foundation. To be a good partner, specifically, involves a few different things.
- Bringing positive energy into the relationship and not feeding into negative
- Showing gratitude
- Expression compassion and understanding
It won’t always be perfect. There will be times when mistakes happen or you just can’t give it your best. That’s okay and is to be expected. Just don’t give up even when things get rough.
4 Ways To Be A Better Partner
1. Learn To Communicate
This is number one on the list for a reason. Having healthy communication in your relationship is the foundation for the success of it. Learning how to successfully communicate your needs, wants, and your frustrations are important. Communicating helps to resolve conflict as well as prevent it.
But communicating involves more than just talking. It is also about hearing what your partner is saying. Not just listening with your ears but truly understanding where your partner is coming from.
2. Know That Relationships Will Change Over Time
Nobody stays the same and this can be a good thing. It’s a sign of growth. So you can’t expect a relationship to remain the same, either. Each relationship goes through seasons of changes. Some seasons will be better than others, admittedly. It’s hard to get through the times that are challenging and testing your relationship. But keeping this in the back of your mind can help you deal with the transitions of life a little easier.
3. Be Vulnerable With Each Other
It’s hard to truly open up to someone. This goes along with open communication, but it really deserves to have a spot on the list. Being vulnerable with one another is a signal of a few different things.
One, it shows that you trust each other. That you see one another as a safe space. A place to unload and express what you are going through.
Two, it is a sign that you respect each other enough to want their advice and input. That you see them as a source of inspiration that can help you get through challenging times in your own life.
4. Don’t Lose Sight Of Who You Are
Relationships are everything to us. It’s common to share interests, hobbies, and activities with our partner’s. After all, these things are likely what bonded you two together in the first place. But a healthy relationship also means that you should still remember who you are outside of the relationship.
It’s remembering that you have your own life, friends, and interests outside of what you share together. There is nothing wrong with it. Staying true to who you are is the purest form of self-care and can really help the health of a relationship.
Learning to be a better partner for another can be challenging. If you are struggling to understand how to do this in your relationship, couples counseling can help you find a way forward. Contact me today to get started.
