4 Ways to be a Better Partner

No matter if you’re in the best relationship you’ve ever been in or if you and your partner are currently working on resolving some issues, you may be wondering how you can show up and be a better partner for them.

First things first, congratulations. The fact that you want to be a better partner is an amazing first step toward actually being a better partner. Your taking the time to read on this topic shows how much you care about your significant other and your relationship.

Here are four ways to be a better partner for your significant other.

1. Take Care of Yourself

I know what you’re thinking… The topic of this blog is how you can be a better partner for your significant other. Not how you can be better. Before you skip out on this point completely, stay with me. You need to care for yourself to be better for your significant other. Remember to make sure to meet your basic needs before you’re able to give your time and energy to someone else. It’s common for conflict to start when one or both partners is hangry. We’ve all heard the saying, “You can’t fill someone else’s cup if yours is completely empty.” So make sure you’re fueling your body properly, getting enough sleep each night, moving your body for at least 30 minutes daily, drinking plenty of water, and managing your stress levels.

2. Express Gratitude

When was the last time you told your partner how much you love them? What about how thankful you are for them? You don’t have to lie or make anything up, but take the time to express an authentic gratitude towards them. It could be as simple as giving them a compliment for their hair or outfit. You can tell them that you appreciate the dinner they made, the clean house, or for putting gas in your car. Send them a random gratitude text message during their day or give them a call during your lunch break. This simple gesture will mean more to them than you know.

3. Never Assume

You know what they say about assuming… Communication is key in any type of relationship, especially romantic ones. If you or your partner are wanting or expecting something, make sure you’re asking for it. You don’t want to assume that the other person knows what you want and vice versa. There’s a good chance that neither you nor your partner is psychic, and neither of you should have to be. Being on the same page can help prevent any miscommunications or arguments. Be open and honest with one another.

4. Make Time for One Another

It can be easy to get into a routine of going to work, eating dinner together, and going to bed, just to repeat the same thing the next day. Even if you see your partner all the time, make sure you’re making time for one another. Life can be hectic sometimes, but make sure you’re finding a good balance with your work life, personal life, home life, and your relationship. Finding time for one another doesn’t have to be something that’s expensive or complicated. Here are a few ideas (even free ones) for dates nights with your partner:

Take a walk around your neighborhood
Try a new art, cooking, or workout class together
Go to the movie or find a movie on Netflix at home
Have a game night

Next Steps

If you’re struggling to find ways to be a better partner for your significant other, you’re not alone. You and your partner need individual or couples counseling to get through this difficult time in your lives. Counseling isn’t only for couples that are struggling. Couples therapy or marriage counseling can give you a new and fresh start to your relationship.

Couples Counseling, Marriage CounselingJoanne BagshawMarch 13, 2023