You have a girlfriend, and things are going well…. But you can’t shake the nagging voice asking you if you’re doing the right thing for her. No matter what stage of the relationship you’re at, it’s natural to wonder how to be a good partner. Asking yourself if you can be a good boyfriend even needs to be purposeful, and you’re not alone in this. Let’s take a look at what qualities a good friend should have, how to be a good friend and how not to be a bad friend.
What does it take to be a good friend to a girl?
There is no clear rule on how to be a perfect friend. However, if you actively communicate with the other person, respect them as a human being, are willing to admit your mistakes and at the same time forgive their mistakes, you can never go wrong.
According to a survey by the University of Göttingen, around 90 percent of women name kindness as the quality they value most in a partner.
20 tips on how to be a good partner
“We have an idea of what a good friend is, but what does it look like in real life?” How can we become best friends? For anyone asking themselves this question. Here are 20 ways to take your relationship to the next level.
1. Make time for your partner
We all have busy lives, but being a good friend means putting your partner first. It’s important to show your partner that they’re important to you: get up early to have breakfast together, limit your meetings with friends, text them if you’re running late at the office or on a trip.
Tip: Plan weekly or monthly dates with your partner so that you can spend more time together.
2. Be honest with your partner
Truth and brutal honesty are two different things. But in general, being honest with your partner is essential to a good partnership, even if that means having difficult conversations.
By being honest, you give your partner the opportunity to understand your needs and help you fulfill them.
Tip: If something is bothering you, even if it’s just a small thing, say so right away instead of holding a grudge until it escalates into a serious argument.
3. Have a life of your own
Especially in the early stages of a relationship, it can be tempting to make your partner the center of your life, but this is neither healthy nor sustainable.
Part of being a good boyfriend is maintaining your independence while still being part of the team.
You should pursue your hobbies and maintain relationships with family and friends, regardless of how your personal life is going.
Tip: Make time for regular get-togethers with friends or family, just as you make time for your partner.
4. Trust your partner
An important rule when it comes to being a good friend is to trust your partner when in doubt. Believe her when she says this person is just a friend, and tell the green-eyed monster to shut up.
Your partner has chosen you – believe in the strength of your relationship and it will become even stronger.
Tip: If you can’t handle jealousy, get professional advice on how to deal with it in a healthy way.
5. Do your bit
Did you know that eight out of ten married women do more housework than their husbands?
Even if you don’t have a wedding ring on your finger, it’s important to share the housework – according to a Pew Research Center survey, sharing housework is the key to a happy marriage.
Sharing housework is literally an essential part of a good friendship.
Tip: Don’t wait for your partner to give you a list of chores. Sit down together and think about which chores are the least stressful for both of you and then do your bit.
6. Listen to your partner
If someone you love is suffering, it’s only natural that you want to step in and solve their problems. Or maybe your partner just wants you to listen to them during a conversation.
Practicing active listening, i.e. being present in the moment, asking clarifying questions and holding back on judgment or advice, will make your partner feel much more supported and loved than if you throw a cape around their neck and rush to the rescue.
Tip: Don’t know how to be a good friend? Ask if your partner needs help brainstorming or just a sympathetic ear.
7. Be vulnerable
One of the keys to a successful relationship is the ability to open up, despite the risk of getting hurt. It’s not easy to be vulnerable, but it not only strengthens your relationship but also allows your partner to take care of you and not the other way around.
Tip: Start small – ask for help with something simple or set a boundary on an issue that isn’t important to you.
8. Support
Don’t know how to be a best friend?
Support your partner in any way you can, whether it’s on an emotional level – listen to them when they talk about their bad days, give them a hug when they cry – or more concretely, by cooking them dinner after a long day or taking over their homework when they’re busy at work.
Even if you don’t understand or share their goals, it’s important that you are their biggest fan.
Tip: Hide little bits of encouragement in your child’s bag or lunchbox or take on a task so you have one less thing to worry about.
9. Pay attention to his needs in bed
Sex is an important part of a relationship, which means it’s just as important when it comes to being a good boyfriend.
Fortunately, there are ways to improve in this area. Listen to your partner and accept his or her opinion. Try different methods and see what works for you. Above all, remember that consent is important not only for your partner, but also for you.
Tip: If your sex education so far has been inadequate (or even if it has been inadequate), try reading some of the books on this list.
10. Take care of yourself
Even though men are more visual than women, that doesn’t mean they get a pass when it comes to appearance, and you should always make an effort.
Dressing well (without it costing a lot of money), having good hygiene, reviewing your diet and exercising are all ways of showing your other half that you care about her.
Tip: ask your partner what styles they like on you so you can incorporate them into your wardrobe.
11. Respect her limits
Whatever the sex, no means no. Perhaps the most important element of being a good boyfriend is understanding the importance of consent, both in and out of the bedroom.
Boundaries are the foundation of a healthy relationship, romantic or otherwise, and setting and enforcing those boundaries is the key to long-term happiness.
Tip: Sit down with your partner and make a list of the limits you both have, sexual and otherwise, and discuss how you can respect them.
12. Learn the language of love
According to relationship expert Gary Chapman, people like to give and receive love in different ways. The five love languages are words of affirmation, quality time, favors, gifts and physical touch.
Deciding which of these love languages your partner prefers and which you prefer can lead to a more harmonious relationship.
Tip: Reading Chapman’s book on the five love languages together is a great idea for an evening out, regardless of the stage of your relationship with your partner.
13. Be clear about your expectations
Wondering how to be a good boyfriend? Let your partner know right from the start what you expect from him or her.
Being honest about the kind of relationship you want, how things are going, and your views on important life decisions like marriage and children not only builds trust, but also helps you avoid wasting time in a relationship with someone whose goals are radically different.
Tip: Before you start looking for a partner, take the time to understand what you’re looking for.
14. Keep your word
Trust your integrity. If you say you’ll do something, do it.
If you can’t do it for a good reason, sincerely apologize and make amends. You’re an adult and you should behave accordingly, especially when it comes to the way you treat your partner.
Tip: If you’re afraid you’ll forget something, write it down on your phone or even in your diary.
15. Learn to argue honestly
No relationship is without quarrels; in fact, to some extent, conflict is healthy. The trick to being a good boyfriend, even when you are arguing, is to remember that you are on the same team.
Even if you are angry, don’t let your emotions take over or reopen old conflicts. Instead, listen to the other person and try to understand his or her point of view.
Apologize if you are wrong and be polite if you are right.
Hint: using techniques such as structured communication can help you express disagreements in a healthy and constructive way.
16. Do emotional work
Emotional labor, as the name implies, refers to the mental work involved in keeping a home or relationship running smoothly, such as planning meals, making grocery lists, managing relationships with extended family and managing appointments.
This work is traditionally the domain of women and is not only unpaid, but usually invisible. Taking on more emotional work in a relationship is a great way to be a good boyfriend.
Tip: find out what you can do to lighten your partner’s load and do it without asking or expecting thanks.
17. Take an interest in your partner’s interests
Even if you and your partner have common interests, you probably like different things. Do you have any tips on how to be a better boyfriend?
Be curious about what your partner likes. Try doing the activity together or, if that’s not possible, talk to your partner about it and ask him why it’s important to him.
Remember, however, that the activity is important to your partner for a reason.
Tip: suggest a “dual program.” Spend half your time on something you enjoy, and the other half on something your partner enjoys.
18. Work on family
For most people, family is an important part of life. One of the qualities of a good boyfriend is the ability to manage your partner’s family.
No matter what your personal feelings are, it’s important to try to get along with them, because they are important to your partner.
Take an interest in your partner’s life and show them that their children, siblings or grandchildren are worthy of your attention.
Tip: Ask your partner how to win the favor of their family. They will know better than you!
19. Communicate
Communication allows you and your partner to get to know each other better, avoid misunderstandings and misunderstandings, deepen the relationship, support each other in difficult times and make good times more enjoyable.
No matter what stage of the relationship you are in, good communication is a fundamental part of being a good boyfriend.
Tip: schedule regular meetings to be on the same page.
20. Remember that this is a partnership, not just a relationship
If you’re wondering how to be a good boyfriend, the answer couldn’t be simpler: recognize that your partner is your equal, and your dreams and goals are equally important.
Put your ego aside and try to do what’s best for both of you.
Tip: always ask your partner’s opinion. Even if you decide not to listen to his advice, make sure he feels involved in the process.
How not to be a bad friend?
Even the best of friends have moments when they wonder, “Am I a bad friend?”
If you’re wondering about this, we’ve compiled a list of warning signs to look out for
- You underestimate the things that are important to your partner.
- You don’t keep your promises.
- You have no time for your partner.
- You see nothing wrong in controlling or manipulating your partner.
- You cheat even when you are in a committed relationship.
- You always leave the initiative to your partner.
- You feel jealous when your partner shows interest in others.
- You expect your partner’s life to revolve around you.
- You only worry about yourself.
- You take your partner for granted.
If any of these sound familiar, it’s time to correct your behavior before you become an ex.
Relationships are easier when you know how to be a good friend.
There’s no denying that being a good friend takes work. On the other hand, sometimes even being a perfect friend can’t save a toxic relationship.
That’s why datingmidnight exists, a unique compatibility matching system that helps you find someone who shares your values and wants a real relationship.
Sign up for datingmidnight today and take the first step towards becoming a great friend.
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