What makes a great boyfriend?
It’s a good question, with many possible answers.
confirm they know how you feel.
Your partner shouldn’t have to wonder about how you feel about them and whether you’re still interested.
For most people,words of affirmationnever get old.
Define the relationship clearly.
Ambiguity makes for a lot of misunderstandings.
Arelationship that isn’t clearly definedis a breeding ground for insecurities, unmet expectations, and hurt feelings.
Stop trying to play it coolbe willing to be vulnerable and make your intentions known.
Text back promptly.
Treat them like a priority, and text them back promptly, consistently, so they know you care.
Be engaged when you’re together.
A good boyfriend is engaged and present when you’re together.
Put your phone away, and give your partner your undivided attention.
Make them feel like you are fully in the moment with them and happy to be there.
Ask about their day.
Strive to know them as well as their mom or best friend does.
Seriously, what is going on in your partner’s world these days?
What’s occupying their mind lately?
How are they dealing with life’s stresses?
What problems can you help them solve?
These types of daily conversations are what buildtrue connection, intimacy, and trust over time.
Actually listen when they talk.
What matters to your partner should matter to you.
Stop trying to win arguments.
Learn to empathize even when you disagree.
Couples don’t need to agree about everything.
You are different people; you don’t need to see things the same way.
Be affectionate in your day-to-day life.
Kiss them on the forehead.
Swoop in and hug them from behind while they’re cooking.
Be affectionate even when you’re around others.
Introduce them to the important people in your life.
The people who matter most to you should know who you’re dating, and vice versa.
Take initiative.
Don’t make them make all the plans all the time!
Do your part around the house.
Check your social media habits.
(Here are some other so-calledmicro-cheatingbehaviors to watch out for.)
Never, ever yell at your partner.
Do not raise your voice at your partner.
Never, ever tear them down.
Prioritize their well-beingeven when it’s hard.
In general, make your partner’s well-being a priority.
Take interest in the things they’re interested in.
Nothing’s worse than feeling like your boyfriend thinks your favorite hobbies are vapid and uncool.
Support their independence.
Give them space to live their life!
Have your own life.
Nurture the other connections in your life and your personal hobbies and interests.
That’s what adds richness and intrigue to a long-term relationship.
Prioritize their pleasure.
double-check sex isn’t all about you.
Fun fact:Just 18% of women1can reach orgasm from vaginal penetration alone.
Ample clitoral stimulation is usually key tomaking sex good for her.
Whoever you’re dating, figure outwhat turns them onpersonally and do more of that.
Respect their boundaries.
Also, if they’renot in the mood for sex, don’t push it.
Support their confidence.
Learn their attachment style.
Open up about the things that are really on your mind.
Let your partner in.
Let them know when you’re feeling vulnerable in the relationship or concerned about something.
Get to know their inner world.
Likewise, get to knowtheirinnermost thoughts, feelings, dreams, fears, insecurities, and longings.
Do something sweet for them every now and then.
Learn their love language.
Each of us has one primary love language that is the main way we like to receive affection.
Help them problem-solve.
Figure out how to best show up for your partner when they need you, and do it.
People notice when someone is consistently there by their side through those toughest moments.
Be honest about what you need in the relationship.
We can all struggle from time to time to name our needs, especially when it comes to relationships.
Sometimes there’s a people-pleasing, conflict-avoidant instinct that makes us keep our true feelings to ourselves.
Don’t make assumptions.
Of course, neither of these things is true.
Your partner is not a carbon copy of you.
Don’t assume you know exactly what they’re thinking or how they view things.
Ask questions, stay open-minded, and be continuously curious about your partner’s perspective.
Be consistent.
Learn how to apologize well.
Learnhow to actually make amendswith someone you’ve hurt.
Focus on validating their feelings and taking responsibility for how your actions contributed to them.
Be willing to grow and work on yourself.
And you’re going to need to work on this stuff.
This will be true for every single human being in every single relationship, without exception.
Be humble and adaptable.
By prioritizingempathy, respect, andtrust, you might build astrong and fulfilling relationship.
