4 Ways to Be a Better Partner In Your Relationship

Relationships all have their ups and downs. When you’re in a healthy relationship, you feel a strong emotional connection and communicate well while maintaining your identity. However, being in a relationship like that takes a conscious effort from both partners.

Whether you’ve been together for years or are still getting to know one another, bettering yourself and your partnership is always important. Here are four ways to be a better partner and keep your love growing.

4 Ways To Be A Better Partner

1. Find ways to show your appreciation

Showing gratitude to your partner can go a long way to keeping your romance alive. Pay attention to what your partner loves and give them those small gestures. Maybe a fresh cup of coffee right when they wake up, draw them a warm bath when they get home from work, or pick up their favorite dessert at the store when they most need it. Make it a habit to thank them when you see them doing the same for you, and let them know exactly what you appreciate about them.

2. Commit to face-to-face quality time

Spending time together most likely feels effortless when you’re in a new relationship. You were having new experiences together and eager to learn all about the other person. After many years together, that excitement fades. To keep that new relationship spark alive, make a conscious effort to spend time together and look at one another: no screens or distractions. Build rituals together. Maybe you both love quiet time with coffee in the morning or have time to have lunch together during the day. Find new activities to do or hobbies to try. Taking a few minutes each day to have undistracted time together can deepen your connection.

3. Be an active listener

Communication takes practice. Active listening is a significant part of healthy communication. When your partner is speaking, consciously listen to what they’re saying without interrupting them. Avoid putting your responses together so you can actually take in their words. Turn towards them, give your full attention, maintain eye contact, and show empathy when they share something difficult. Reflect on what they’ve said by asking clarifying questions to ensure you see where they’re coming from.

4. Stay intimate

For most people, sex is an incredibly important part of romantic relationships. It’s also one of the things that drops off in the long term if both partners don’t prioritize it. It’s easy for life to get in the way. If your sex life is in a slump, keep communicating through it. Also, staying intimate doesn’t just mean sexual intimacy. It’s also important to be physically intimate in other ways. Keep touching, kissing, and hugging each other. Make it a ritual to kiss one another at night and in the morning. Hold hands when you’re out running errands. Cuddle on the couch while you watch television. Make sure your partner knows these moments aren’t bids for later sexual contact, as that can put pressure on and actually drive a wedge between you.

Is your relationship in a slump?

If you’re having difficulty connecting to your long-term partner, it might be time to try couples therapy. Sometimes, relationship issues go unaddressed for so long that they need outside intervention to fix. A couples therapist can help you talk through your conflicts, find ways of connecting you haven’t tried (or neglected), and learn to see the relationship as a collaborative effort.

Please contact us to learn how couples therapy can help you be a better partner.