Relationships are at the core of our lives and can provide us with love, support, and a sense of belonging.
A positive and fulfilling relationship has a foundation of trust, respect, and open communication. When you have a close relationship with your partner, you can share hopes, values, goals, and life experiences. A strong relationship can help you feel connected, improving your mental health and wellbeing. To get the most out of your relationship, we have ten ways to help you become a better partner and strengthen your connection.
10 tips to help you become a better partner
1. Build trust and respect: A healthy relationship is built on a foundation of trust and respect. You can build trust by being reliable and keeping your promises, and show respect by listening to your partner and valuing their perspective. This foundation helps you and your partner to feel seen, heard, understood, and accepted.
2. Recognise that physical closeness is only one expression of intimacy: Intimacy goes beyond physical closeness. It extends to feeling loved and valued and can mean different things to different people. Intimacy can be telling your partner why you love them, having deep conversations, showing you care, doing special things, or spending time together.
3. Respect your partner’s independence: Acknowledge each other’s need for independence. Everyone needs their own space and identity.
4. Be willing to communicate: A healthy relationship is built on open and honest communication. Create a safe environment where you and your partner can express your thoughts, feelings, and concerns without fear of judgment or criticism. Actively listen to understand what your partner is feeling.
5. Value your differences: A healthy relationship is not about being the same but accepting and appreciating each other’s differences. Be open to negotiating your differences with respect and generosity. You are not going to get your way all the time. Instead of wanting your partner to be exactly like you, appreciate how they differ from you and celebrate their unique qualities. This can make your relationship stronger and more fulfilling.