Good, happy, and fulfilling relationships are built on the foundation of mutual respect. You need to hold your partner in high esteem, recognize their humanity, and see them as your equal. Doing these simple everyday acts will help you communicate the deep respect you have for your partner. Consequently, your relationship will thrive, grow stronger, and last a long time.
1. Paying attention to the little things
It’s not enough to just remember things like your partner’s birthday, their parents’ names, or what they’re allergic to. Keeping track of minor details like the coworker they can’t stand, their favorite thing to eat for dinner, or how they like to arrange their work table shows that you care deeply about them. Remembering the little details tells your partner that you admire them and appreciate all the different sides of them.
2. Supporting their hobbies and interests
You don’t need to share your partner’s love for Korean cinema and creating content for social media, fermenting foods and drinks, or running marathons. You just have to shower them with words of encouragement, ask them questions about it, and support them however you can to show that you value things that matter to them.
3. Valuing their ideas and feelings
Being able to acknowledge your partner’s perspectives or emotions even when you don’t agree with them is a cornerstone of respect in relationships. It’s about making an effort to understand where they’re coming from and providing a safe space where they can express themselves freely without judgment or harsh criticism, Psych Central notes.
4. Offering help when your partner needs it
Leaping to their aid when your partner asks for your help is a sign of respect. It shows that you care about making their lives easier. You don’t even have to wait for them to request your help. You can recognize when they’re overwhelmed or struggling and step in to lend a hand or lighten their load.
5. Showing up on time
Punctuality is widely regarded as a form of respect. You wouldn’t be late to an interview, and you’d probably be annoyed if a client or service worker keeps you waiting for hours. So why would you be late to meet your partner or expect them to take your lateness in stride? Do your best to avoid being late or making your partner late to things. If you have challenges like time blindness that may impact your punctuality, account for them and plan around them when setting your schedule.
6. Keeping your word
Nothing screams disrespect like breaking promises and being chronically unreliable. If you want to show that you have a deep respect for your partner, you have to honor the promises and agreements you make. Don’t say yes to spending the weekend with your partner’s family, only to bail at the last minute. If you make plans, follow through. And if you’re unable to, communicate that as early as possible and apologize, even if the circumstances were beyond your control.
7. Prioritizing your partner’s needs
When you respect your partner, their needs and happiness will matter to you like your own. You won’t let selfishness get the better of you. You’ll be willing to compromise for their benefit when appropriate or necessary. You’ll have their back when they require the support, and you’d do it with a smile on your face, knowing they would do the same for you.
8. Accepting when they say “no”
If your party says they’re not in the mood to have sex, take them at their word and leave them be. If they don’t want to invite a friend or family member to the next cookout for good reason, abide by their decision. Taking no for an answer instead of pushing to get your way against your partner’s clear wishes signals that you appreciate their consent, opinions, and boundaries.
9. Listening attentively when your partner speaks
It’s a show of deep respect to give your undivided attention when your partner is trying to communicate with you. Put your phone down, turn off the TV or turn down the volume, stop letting your eyes roam about, and instead make eye contact with your partner, Verywell Mind suggests. Reflect what they say back to them and chime in with a response at appropriate times.
10. Using polite words and fighting fair
Whether you’re having a normal conversation or in the middle of an argument, always remember that the person on the other side is someone you love. Avoid using insulting language or an aggressive tone with them. Be kind even when you’re fighting. Don’t yell or hit them below the belt with hurtful remarks.
11. Owning up to your mistakes
You’re bound to make the wrong decisions, say things you don’t quite mean, or hurt your partner’s feelings in some way. When this happens, you don’t have to disrespect your partner by denying the events or refusing to take responsibility for your actions. Just acknowledge what you did and apologize without making excuses.
12. Practicing open and honest communication
When you lie to a person, you don’t care about or respect them enough to give them the dignity of truth. On the contrary, choosing to lead with honesty and openness demonstrates that you care enough about your partner to tell what you may have done or how you truly feel, even if knowing might hurt them. By putting all the cards on the table, you’re honoring their right to act in their best interests.
13. Celebrating each other’s accomplishments
Another sign of respect in a healthy relationship is the ability to recognize and praise your partner’s accomplishments even though they might not seem like a big deal to you. Even if you’re feeling a little envious of their success, you should be able to put that aside and show your full support by celebrating their moment in the sun.
14. Acknowledging your partner’s contributions.
Make it a point to let your partner know that you see and appreciate all that they do for you and your family. When they make you breakfast, pack your lunch, do the laundry, or gift you something, thank them for it. No act of kindness is too small to acknowledge. Showing appreciation for the role your partner plays in the relationship tells them that you value their time and efforts.
15. Doing your share of domestic chores without needing to be told
When you don’t clean up after yourself and share in household responsibilities, you’re saying that your time is more valuable than theirs. You’re intentionally taking advantage of them and their love for you by expecting them to shoulder all the responsibilities. In a healthy and respectful relationship, chores are distributed fairly according to each person’s preferences and strengths.
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