3 Ways to Respect Your Partner

It takes more than just love to build and maintain a happy, healthy relationship. True partnership forms on a foundation of mutual respect—which isn’t possible if one partner feels less valued than the other. 

It’s easy enough to say that you respect your partner, but what does respect actually mean in a relationship? Are you acting in ways that show not just that you care about your partner but that you view them as an equal in every sense of the word? 

Rooting your relationship in love, compassion, and respect is the best way to make sure both you and your partner feel secure and fulfilled in each other. But that’s easier said than done. Here are a few tips on how to show respect to your partner. 

1. Listen Attentively 

We all need to be heard. If you feel like your partner is consistently paying more attention to their phone or their own thoughts rather than listening to what you have to say, that’s a sign they don’t respect you enough to give you their full attention, especially when you really need it. 

The easiest way to show your partner you respect them is to listen attentively and actively to their needs, concerns, or desires. 

2. Communicate Mindfully

Open and honest communication is an important part of any healthy relationship. But communicating your needs isn’t as easy as it sounds and requires you to first be open and honest with yourself. 

Never expect your partner to be able to read your mind. At the same time, make sure to communicate without accusing. This can make your partner feel as if they need to defend themselves, obstructing any constructive dialogue. Try using “I” statements, such as, “I feel underappreciated when you cancel our plans last minute.” 

All couples have disagreements. The key to a happy, healthy relationship is to communicate the right way during an argument. This means being respectful of each other’s emotions, which are both valid. Never give your partner the silent treatment—this is a manipulation tactic meant to keep your partner in suspense. 

3. Love Your Differences 

Respect between romantic partners doesn’t translate to control or subjugation. Refusing to follow demands isn’t a sign of disrespect. True respect is synonymous with compassion, understanding, and the recognition that your partner is a different person with a different perspective than your own. 

Finding a romantic partner is like acquiring a second set of eyes. Openly exploring and embracing your differences, whether in hobbies or in opinions, is a great way to show your partner that you respect them and love them for who they are. 

Reintroduce Respect and Compassion Into Your Relationship

The happiest and healthiest relationships will have moments where someone feels disrespected—but that doesn’t have to be the end. 

Learn to foster open and honest communication based in compassion with The Love of Attraction couple's counselling sessions. Work alongside registered psychotherapist Kathleen Maiman toward a healthier, happier, and more fulfilling relationship. 

Find out more about the couples therapy and counselling services offered by clicking here. Feel free to contact me directly if you have any questions.