Having a healthy and happy relationship with your significant other requires effort and care. It is important to treat your partner with respect, love, and kindness in order to maintain a strong bond. Here are some tips on how to treat your significant other in the best way possible.
Do you often find yourself thinking your partner should be better than they are in some way? That they should be more patient, present, organized, agreeable, etc.? Maybe you think if they were just more motivated—if they cared more—they would be better.
If you’re to give your relationship a fresh start, your negatively biased attitude toward one another has to be transformed. Your partner will need to reassess the distancing maneuvers designed (unconsciously?) to help them feel safer in the relationship. Putting pressure on your partner to change could make them dig in their resistant heels all the more. Below we will explore the relationship between love and respect, the 10 common signs of disrespect, the impact of disrespect on a relationship and the steps you can take to remedy the situation. We’ll conclude with 8 ways couples can show respect to one other so that their relationship thrives. A couple in an open relationship has a level of commitment to each other.
Arguing is a natural and sometimes even healthy part of a relationship; but that doesn’t mean you should encourage it. Too much fighting and arguments that go unresolved can destroy seemingly strong relationships. So, even if you can’t completely avoid fighting with your significant other, you can limit its frequency and its severity. An additional source of relationship role modeling comes from the messages we absorb in the media. It seems like it should be natural to treat our partners with love, consideration, and respect.
As such, try to avoid giving advice or words of wisdom, even if you think you have the answers. Your friend will likely just feel patronized, and that’s not comforting. When someone is in need of comforting, there’s a good chance they need help with other things too, whether it’s grocery shopping, cooking for themselves, or other forms of self-care.
Insecurity is a common human experience, and it often finds its way into our relationships. Whether it results from past experiences, personal doubts, or external pressures, feeling insecure is a natural part of being human. Relationships are full of ups and downs, but they can also have long lulls in which you just don’t feel the same level of intimacy or excitement with your partner. I’ve written a lot about the reasons you may start to lose that lit-up feeling of being in love, as well as the ways you can use your own power to get it back.
Communicate openly and honestly
In such an instance, pull the conversation back to something that’s less provocative. A truly generous partner enjoys helping, soothing, or finding other ways to benefit you. Such a partner doesn’t necessarily give you material gifts or take you on fancy vacations. To the extent that your partner offers you what’s on this list, they’re being generous. Every relationship is based on sharing at least some time together. But if he or she rarely or never has time for you, or consistently rations the time you spend together, you might ask yourself how much more of your own time you’re willing to spend pursuing them.
Communication is key in any relationship. Make sure to listen to your partner’s thoughts and feelings without judgment. Be open and honest about your own emotions and concerns. By communicating effectively, you can avoid misunderstandings and build a stronger connection with your significant other.
Furthermore, try not to be emotionally reactive when they are struggling with insecurities, especially if these stem from trauma. Be honest and open with your partner, and be willing to listen to their concerns. Avoid blaming, name-calling, and other forms of communication that can be hurtful or destructive. When we were first married, there would be nights when my husband would go out with the guys and cruise the main street of the small town we were from. I am sure I could have gone, but I understood the time needed to be just for him and his friends. I knew them and was okay with it, respecting his other roles.
Show appreciation
It’s important to show your partner that you appreciate them. Whether it’s a small gesture like saying thank you, or a grand gesture like planning a surprise date night, expressing gratitude can go a long way in strengthening your relationship. Make an effort to acknowledge all the things your partner does for you and show them how much you care.
Respect boundaries
Respecting your partner’s boundaries is crucial in any relationship. Make sure to communicate and establish boundaries early on so that both of you feel comfortable and respected. It is important to always ask for consent and never pressure your partner into doing something they are not comfortable with.
Support each other
Being there for your partner during both the good times and the bad is essential. Show your support by being a listening ear, offering encouragement, and providing assistance when needed. Let your partner know that you are there for them no matter what, and that you have their back through thick and thin.
By following these tips on how to treat your significant other, you can build a strong, loving, and lasting relationship. Remember that relationships require effort from both parties, so make sure to put in the work to nurture and cherish your bond with your partner.
