How To Be a Better Girlfriend

You can learn to be a better girlfriend no matter what stage your relationship is in.Being a better girlfriend is dependent on being kind and compassionate to your boyfriend or girlfriend, as well as communicating and listening well.You can be more present in the relationship if you take care of yourself.

Step 1: In the week, seek out more time together.

Being more available means being a better girlfriend.You should make your relationship a priority over other commitments.Being there for your partner is a simple way to show you care.Try to make time for each other at least once a week.You can either go out on a date or hang out at home.When you can, try to fit it in.Sometimes you don't need to go on a dinner date.It's a good idea to meet for lunch or breakfast.Spending time together doesn't always mean sitting down and talking.It is possible to fit each other in while you are doing other things.

Step 2: You have to check in daily.

You can show your partner that you care by checking in daily, whether you're living together or not.Text them to let them know you're thinking about them.If you live together, make sure you check in with them in the evening to see how their day went.Make time in your day to connect with your partner.It's a good way to connect if you both want to send twenty texts a day.Determine what works for you.If one person doesn't like texting, email or a phone call might be better."How was your day?" is what you should ask.Discuss long-term dreams or what you're grateful for.Discuss what you like and dislike in a friend.It is easy to slip into "How are you?"How are you?It will bring you closer if you dig deeper.It's good to have weekly or bi-weekly dates, but you should check in every day to see how the other person is doing.

Step 3: Say thank you to your partner.

Everyone likes to be appreciated and not just for what we do.It will make your partner feel appreciated and loved if you tell them how grateful you are that he or she is in your life.You can say, "I just want you to know how important you are to me."I'm very happy that you're in my life.Keep it simple, such as "I'm so happy I got to see your face today."It's possible to show gratitude without being verbal.If you want to show your partner how much you care, give them a card or small gift.Surprise them with a home-cooked meal to say thank you.

Step 4: Be kind.

It's important to try to feel what the other person is feeling.It takes vulnerability to step into another's shoes.When you're in a relationship, you have to be aware of your partner's feelings, but not necessarily of the sexual kind.Being conscientious of checking in with your partner about feelings is one way to build empathy.Ask the person how he or she feels.You have to stop seeing through your eyes.Sometimes you have to stop seeing the world in a certain way to understand how your partner is seeing it.It's not necessary to give up your point of view.To understand the world through your partner's eyes, you have to change your perspective once in a while.It's possible that you need to stop the voices in your head.When your partner is talking about a situation, you may find yourself raising objections or trying to convince him to change his mind.Shut those objections down and listen to what your partner is saying.

Step 5: As much as you can give.

Both partners give to the relationship in the best way possible.At times you're going to be giving more, and at other times your partner is.It should even out in the end so you give to the relationship.You may need to work more hours if your partner is in school while you finish a degree.In the smaller things, this step is important.If you live together, you should both contribute to household chores, not just one of you.

Step 6: Skip the arrogance.

It's possible to drive a wedge between you.You're supposed to be equal partners in a relationship, so when your ego creeps in, it unbalances it.Relationships are kept in check by humility on both sides.Every now and then there is a little competition.When you start thinking you're a better person than your partner, that leads to an unhealthy relationship.You can accept a compliment from your partner.Say "Thank you!" if your partner tells you you are great at something.It is appropriate.It's not appropriate to tell your partner that she is terrible at something and you should do it better.It is only used to drive a wedge between you two.

Step 7: Encourage your partner.

Being supportive of each other's interests is important in a relationship.It's important to support your boyfriend or girlfriend in what they do and encourage them if you want to be a better girlfriend.When they want to spend time away from you to develop an interest, one kind of support is not ragging on them.Being a cheerleader is one way to encourage someone.Make sure to celebrate when something good happens.

Step 8: Be respectful.

They are built on kindness and respect.It is possible to show respect in a number of ways when trying to be a better girlfriend.If you are going on a date, give the person your full attention.Don't look at your phone in the restaurant.Being sensitive to any cultural issues your partner may have is another way to show respect.If your partner mentions that his or her family likes to do things in a certain way, don't just laugh it off because you like doing it differently.Forgiveness is one way to be respectful.If your partner makes a mistake, offer forgiveness instead of tearing them down.

Step 9: Be nice.

The day-to-day life with your boyfriend or girlfriend is worth living because of small acts of kindness.Being a better girlfriend means being kind to your partner.There are so many ways in which kindness can show up.Being respectful of needed alone time is what it means.It is possible to show up with a cup of coffee when your partner needs it.When they're feeling a little anxious, it can mean something as simple as holding their hand.It is possible to do a chore your partner hates, like running to the dry cleaners, before she has the chance.The small things add up to show you care for someone.

Step 10: Give your partner time to talk.

Sometimes we need to talk about something that is bothering us.When you're in a relationship, you can talk about what's going on in your life.You have to create the space for that, both time-wise and emotionally.If you cut your partner off when they start talking about something bothering them, that's not creating the emotional space for them to talk.Sometimes you have to open the door.Try to ask your partner what's going on when they are looking down or sad.

Step 11: Listen without being defensive.

Listening is an art.You have to pay attention to what the other person is saying, not just trying to respond.When you're in a serious discussion, you may have a tendency to get defensive based on just a few things your partner says without really hearing them out.Better communication can be achieved by understanding what their trying to say rather than being defensive.Take in what they're saying.Don't just listen to what they're saying aloud.Asking questions is one way to show them you're listening.You can give short summaries.You could say, "You're upset because I'm not spending enough time with you."It helps you to know that you're getting it right.

Step 12: Listen to verbal signals.

A cue is when your girlfriend or boyfriend casually mentions something.You respond appropriately, sometimes by asking about the interest, and other times by taking action.Say your girlfriend says that the car is adorable.I have a car that is getting run down.Are you considering getting a new car?If she wants to go test drive one, you could ask.If your boyfriend mentions a new restaurant that looks good, that's another example.You could make reservations.Picking up on verbal signals shows you are paying attention.

Step 13: You should watch your partner's body language.

The person's body language can tell you a lot about them.Paying attention can help you understand what your partner is actually saying.It could be that the person is trying to hide something or that they've lost interest in you.If they aren't looking at you, that could mean they're hiding something or they have trouble getting out what they want to say.It can be a sign of embarrassment.They're starting to get defensive if they cross their arms.

Step 14: Keep the discussions positive.

You can discuss problems.It means you try to keep your language positive and hold the discussion positive.It has less of a chance of escalating if you start the discussion in a positive light.It also means that your partner is more likely to listen and hear you if he or she isn't yelling at you or being angry.Try not to have arguments when you're angry, as they can get very nasty.Affection gestures, such as hugging or lightly touching the person's hand or shoulder, can keep discussions light.

Step 15: Wait until you've calmed down.

Sometimes you want to talk about the problem when you're angry.You probably won't get anywhere except into a fight because the conversation is going to be charged with emotion.Wait until you've calmed down to have a discussion.It's a good bet to have a 2-day rule.If you still feel strongly about it, you should bring it up within two days.Drop it if it is not.Take an hour break if you have to deal with the issue today.Listen to music or read a book while you spend some time doing something you enjoy.You'll be better able to deal with the situation if you distract yourself for a while.

Step 16: When the issues are small, deal with them.

Sometimes small things can snowball into larger things if you let them go too often.You're less likely to blow up at your partner if you deal with issues as they arise.Bring it up if you hate it when your boyfriend doesn't call at night.You'll explode on him if you let it keep happening."Hey, I know your busy at night, but I feel upset when I don't hear from you," you could say.I want to know your safe.

Step 17: Know what you need.

You have to take care of yourself and your partner in a relationship.Sometimes you need to take care of your own needs first so that you can support your partner.You have to know what your needs are.Maybe you need alone time at least once a week.You should express your partner's needs once you know what you need.Discuss what both of you need in and out of the relationship.Try to come up with a plan for how both of your needs can be met.You could say, "I really need cuddles once a week.""I'm happy to give you cuddles," your partner might say.I love being with you.I need to spend some time apart as well.

Step 18: The signs of emotional abuse can be seen.

It doesn't mean you are a bad person because your partner says you need to be a better girlfriend.You need to look for signs of emotional abuse in your relationship.You can find yourself in an abusive relationship without even knowing it.Some signs of an emotionally abusive relationship are that your partner is hypercritical of you, humiliates you and shuts you out completely.Other signs can include being dominating, making you feel guilty, and blaming you for everything that goes wrong.You may also notice that your partner is very controlling, calls you all the time to see where you are, and is overly jealous.It may not be abusive if your partner does one or a few of these once in a while.It is definitely a sign of emotional abuse if your partner does it all the time with the intention of making you feel bad or controlling you."I love you, but..." is often a sign of a controlling person.Many abusers will apologize for their behavior to get you back in.

Step 19: It's good to sleep well.

Getting enough sleep is important for a good relationship.You have more energy when you get enough sleep.It goes deeper than that.You can maintain self-control by getting enough sleep.Sleep affects your self-control.If you don't have enough self-control, you will snap at your partner and not be available for what he or she needs.Make sure you get 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night.Staying on a sleep schedule, meaning you go to bed and get up at the same time every day, can help you get enough sleep and feel more rested.If you can't remember to go to bed at night, try setting an alarm.You have to be in bed by an hour.Turn off all electronics when it goes off.

Step 20: You should eat well.

Eating well contributes to well-being.You have a tendency to snap at your partner when you don't eat well or feel hungry.You won't be tempted to snap if you keep eating healthy meals.Don't forget to eat a lot of fruits and vegetables, as well as whole grains and low-fat dairy.

Step 21: Pay attention to your feelings.

Everyone has an emotional response.You are familiar with the type.It's usually something that happened in the past that sets you off.You can learn to calm yourself down when you know your emotional triggers.You can give your partner a warning as well as an explanation of why you get upset.If you don't have a good reason for being upset, pay attention when you get really upset.Try to remember what set you off.Write down what caused it.You will start to notice certain patterns as you write more.

Step 22: Don't beat yourself.

It's important to be kind to yourself as well.Being kind to yourself and your partner will help you feel better.If you make a mistake, tell yourself it's fine.You can learn from it and move on.You should remind yourself that no one is perfect.Being yourself and making mistakes is what your boyfriend loves about you.