How to Become a Better Person in a Relationship: 6 Pillars

Becoming a better person in a relationship isn’t mission impossible for those who focus on loving and being loving.

“Love is patient; love is kind. It does not envy; it does not boast; it is not proud. It does not dishonor others; it is not self-seeking; it is not easily angered; it keeps no record of wrongs.”

Sounds like an expression you’ve heard before, right?

Well, they’re famous words from First Corinthians 13:4-5, demonstrating the values needed to become a better person in a relationship.

But why is it important?

According to a study by the University of California, couples who demonstrated kindness and generosity towards each other were more likely to stay together.

So, in this blog, we will explore the key traits needed to become a better person in a relationship and how they can lead to a healthier, happier partnership.

What Does it Mean to be a better person in a relationship?

Of course, it takes two to tango. But being (or becoming) a better person in a relationship means ensuring you and your partner are happy and healthy.

Also, that means doing things like, talking openly, listening actively, and being patient with each other.

But not only that, it also involves being willing to learn and grow, accepting feedback, and showing love and support in all that you do.

For example, imagine you and your partner are disagreeing about something. Instead of getting mad or giving up, you take a breath and try to understand his (or her) point of view. You work together to find a solution that makes you both happy.

It may interest you to note that being a better person in a relationship is all about – growing and supporting each other.

Importance of being a better person in a relationship

If you’re familiar with how a gardener brings out the beauty of a garden by caring for it, you’ll agree that relationships are like gardens. That’s because they need consistent care and attention to grow and thrive.

So, being a better person in a relationship is like providing the right nutrients for your garden— your relationship.

As a result, you prioritize communication, trust-building, and empathy to create a strong foundation that allows your partnership to blossom.

That way, you give room for better conflict resolution, greater intimacy, and increased satisfaction. Not only that, but you also help prevent problems like resentment and mistrust from taking root.

Apart from all that, investing in becoming a better person in a relationship can help you and your partner grow individually and as a couple. And, of course, that can lead to a fulfilling and joyful life together.

Practical Tips to Help You Become A Person In A Relationship: Knowing the Six Relationship Pillars

1. Communication

In a relationship, communication is the superpower that can make or break it. But active listening and clear self-expression are the essential building blocks of effective communication.

Yet, it’s not just about the words you say. That’s because nonverbal cues like body language and tone of voice can also impact the message received. And often, when conflict arises, communication becomes the superhero who saves the day.

Take, for example, a scenario where your partner feels neglected. At such a point, all you may have to do is find a compromise that strengthens your bond.

But to do that, you’d have to actively listen to their concerns and express your feelings calmly and respectfully. Remember, communication truly is the key to a successful and fulfilling relationship.

2. Empathy

In your relationship, empathy is what allows you to see through your partner’s eyes, feel their emotions, and understand their experiences.

And often, when you practice empathy, you build a deep emotional connection with your partner and create a safe space for open and honest communication.

But showing empathy can involve being a supportive listener, validating your partner’s feelings, and being there for them through tough times.

That said, the benefits of being empathetic in a relationship are enormous. They include increased trust, intimacy, and understanding. So, the next time your partner is going through a rough patch, try to put yourself in their shoes and offer some heartfelt empathy – it could make all the difference.

3. Trust

Trust is a critical ingredient in the recipe for a successful relationship. Yet it’s missing in many relationships. Trust is the feeling of security and confidence that you and your partner can rely on each other.

Of course, it helps build a strong emotional connection and creates a deeper level of intimacy. But in building trust, you must be honest, reliable and keep your promises.

It’s not a one-time thing but requires continuous effort to maintain such open and transparent communication, reliability, and showing commitment.

So, imagine you promise your partner that you’ll pick him (or her) up from work on time. By fulfilling that promise, you show your partner that he (or she) can trust you. And, of course, that strengthens your bond.

4. Respect

In a relationship, respect is vital to becoming a better person. It means acknowledging and valuing your partner’s unique qualities, opinions, and feelings. And essentially, treating them with care and consideration.

So, you can say, “Respect acts as a fundamental building block that allows both partners to experience feelings of appreciation and love towards each other.” In other words, it’s a valuable ingredient in a fulfilling and harmonious relationship.

But how can you show respect? Some ways include actively listening to your partner, showing empathy, and expressing appreciation and gratitude.

That said, there’s a long list of benefits of being respectful in a relationship. They include increased trust, loyalty, and mutual support.

So, by respecting your partner’s individuality and needs, you build a strong and lasting bond that can weather any storm. For example, if your partner expresses a differing opinion from yours, you can respect his (or her) perspective and engage in a respectful conversation to understand each other better.

5. Patience

“Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet,” says Jean-Jacques Rousseau. But then, it’s like a superhero power that allows you to stay cool and collected during tough times in your relationship without letting frustration get the best of you.

Beyond being a fancy word, patience is a critical trait every successful relationship needs. That’s because, as a patient fellow, you tend to give your partner your undivided attention, understand where he (or she) is coming from, and communicate effectively.

And often, that way, you can build trust and a deeper connection with your partner, avoiding petty arguments and hurt feelings. For instance, when your partner is struggling, you can take the time to listen and provide comfort instead of getting angry or dismissive.

6. Self-reflection

Self-reflection may sound like a buzzword in the mental health space. But only a few know it’s like taking a deep dive into your thoughts and feelings to get to know yourself better.

Of course, it’s like a trusty toolbox for anyone in a relationship and can help you identify your strengths, weaknesses, and how you contribute to the partnership.

When you practice self-reflection, you become more mindful of your actions and feelings, allowing you to communicate more effectively and understand your partner’s perspective.

Through it, you can set aside some time (alone) to think through your motivations and check how you can improve yourself and your relationship.

That’s why after a disagreement with your partner, reflecting on your actions and how you can handle the situation differently can lead to a stronger, more compassionate connection.

How to Increase your Value in a Relationship

Relationships are indeed an integral part of human life. And whether it’s our relationship with our partners, family members, or friends, we all want to feel valued and appreciated.

But, sometimes we may feel like our relationship is not fulfilling. Or it appears we’re not getting the value we deserve. Either way, the good news is you can increase your value in a relationship by following some simple steps.

Here are helpful tips:

Focus on your personal growth

Before this time, you may not have realized how essential it is to invest in yourself and work towards your personal growth.

Be it through education, hobbies, or fitness, or as the case may be.

But the important thing is that you become more captivating and valuable to your partner by developing your skills and interests.

Communicate effectively

Also, effective communication is the key to any healthy relationship. That’s why you want to ensure you practice active listening, express your feelings clearly, and validate your partner’s perspective.

Of course, all that creates an open but honest environment that strengthens your bond with your partner.

Show appreciation

While many may not know it, small gestures like saying thank you, expressing gratitude, and giving compliments can go a long way in making your partner feel valued and loved.

Support your partner

Also, being there for your partner when they need you can increase your value in a relationship.

Interestingly you can support your partner by showing interest in their life, supporting their dreams and goals, and being their biggest cheerleader. Often all that creates a sense of security and trust in the relationship.

Respect boundaries

Having talked about respect as one of the relationship pillars, respecting your partner’s boundaries is essential for a healthy relationship. In that vein, ensure to communicate your boundaries and avoid crossing them.

Final Thoughts

In summary, becoming a better person in a relationship is super important for making it last long and strong. And to achieve that, you can try the simple but effective tips outlined above, which include practicing patience and self-reflection.

These tips can help you and your partner understand each other better, build trust and communication, and respect each other more. And if you haven’t been practicing these tips before, don’t worry. It’s never too late to improve yourself and be a better person for your partner.

Although it may take some work, it’s worth the while to create a happy and fulfilling partnership. So, what are you waiting for to give it a go and be the best version of yourself?