You should tell them what they need to know without overwhelming them with the truth. For example, if you had a serious past relationship, you can let them know without revealing every little detail about your ex. Temper your honesty with kindness. Don’t feel as if you have to make every response seem like a compliment. Instead, offer an alternative. For example, if they ask you if you like something they are trying on, let her know that it might work, but you think the blue one is your favorite so far because it shows off their great eyes and their stunning personality. You should not only be comfortable with being honest, but you should be accepting of their honesty as well. If you want to be a good boyfriend, you should be able to handle the truth.
You can show that you trust your partner by telling them something that a lot of people don’t know about you. You can secure their trust in you by showing that you care and are concerned if they tell you something personal and important to them.
Conversations are about give and take. The same is true for relationships. They never succeed when they’re one-sided. Obviously, there will be occasions when you do talk a lot (such as when something exciting or important happens) or when you retreat a bit (such as when something bad happens). On the whole, though, aim for a balance of conversation.
Remember, a conversation with your partner isn’t just acknowledging, it’s also about remembering. If your partner is telling you about an important experience, make a mental note of it. If they’ve told you something twice before and you have no idea what they’re talking about because you weren’t really listening, they"ll know and they won’t be happy about it. “Listen” to their non-verbal “conversations” as well. Learn to tell when something is bothering them even when they won’t say it. What does their expression, their body language, or even the way they keep twirling their hair tell you?
After you and your partner discuss your thoughts on a certain situation, you can work together to make a pros and cons list, and decide what will be best for both of you. Sometimes, you and your partner will have to give in to one another. That’s okay, as long as you’re taking turns. If they pick the movie for date night, for example, you should pick the dinner location and where to go for dessert afterward. Part of learning to compromise is using a calm, even voice when you have a disagreement. Never yell, swear, or (under any circumstances, ever) hit them, no matter how angry you become. Walk away for awhile if you have to, and come back when you can talk rationally. [8] X Research source
Be there when they have to study for a big exam or finish college applications, or when they’re stressed about anything else that can affect their future. If they’re having a busy week or month, you should be there to help them out by doing small favors, like picking up lunch or giving them a ride to class, to make their days easier.
Always confirm that you are listening and sound sincere when you comfort them. If you don’t feel like you are genuinely sorry, try to change the way you think. Think about things from their perspective. Sometimes, they may just want to cry and to be comforted. Don’t try to fix their problems right away. Instead, wait for them to deal with all of their emotions before being practical. If they’re upset, it’s important to ask, “Do you want to talk about it?” Make them see that you really care. And if they’re not ready to talk about it yet, don’t pry.
Don’t overdo it––you don’t want to make them uncomfortable. Remember to read their signs, and if they’re not in the mood, don’t kiss them. Many times, even a light touch is appreciated. If your partner is a romantic, upon seeing them for the first time in a couple of days, say, “I missed you. . . " and weave your arms around their hips then give them a loving hug. Depending on their preferences, also try giving a light kiss on their lips/cheek/forehead/neck just to show that you really appreciate their presence. Or just kiss their hand by clasping and bringing it up to your lips. If you’re not sure how your partner feels about public displays of affection, be discreet at first. Believe it or not, not every person is into holding hands.
If they get a new haircut or a new outfit, let them see that you’ve noticed and let them know that they look amazing. Truly appreciating someone’s looks isn’t as superficial as it may seem, though. When you truly care about someone, they will look beautiful to you no matter the situation. When you feel this way about your partner, let them know.
Go beyond the ordinary statements. For example, don’t just say, “You look nice. " Instead, say “That really makes your eyes shine,” or “Your haircut really suits the shape of your face. " The more specific you are, the more unique and appreciative the compliment. Even small, seemingly silly compliments can be meaningful. Saying things like “you really have beautiful handwriting” or “you’re awesome at parallel parking” can be confidence-builders, when spoken with sincerity. The also show that you are paying attention to them.
Put thought into a birthday, Valentine’s Day, Christmas, or anniversary gift, and other special occasions. Choose a gift that is reasonable and thoughtful; it doesn’t need to be expensive, just considerate of who they are and their likes. Think of special touches, like adding their name to a necklace, or a pendant representing something they care about, such as a snowflake if they love to ski or a musical note if they love to play an instrument, etc. Notice their interests when you’re out together. They might make mention of something they like in a shop window, or something they wish they could try, like going for a horse ride. Don’t just think of tangible items––experience gifts can be far more exciting and fun than a list of things. Sometimes, get them a gift “just because. " Pick something up out of the blue now and then and give it to them just because your were “thinking of them”. This sort of gift has great impact because it’s so unexpected and delightful.
Instead, try visiting new places, giving new activities a go and going to different parts of town. Even if the new activities don’t turn out the way you’d hoped, at least you’ve shared the experience and are getting to know one another even better. By mixing things up, you keep the excitement in your relationship and make your outings together refreshing. You are also creating memories together that will endure well beyond the experiences. Surprise your partner by doing something offbeat now and then – this could include anything from racing your partner to your walking destination, dancing without music, or even bringing them a tub of Lego bricks and encouraging them to build something that represents the two of you. Take a surprise trip. You can pick a location in advance and just tell them what to pack without saying where you’re going. Of course, use your best judgment about their preferences. Perhaps they’ll love the mystery and excitement of going to an unknown location, perhaps not. If they’ve mentioned the fact that they’ve never checked out a national park or quirky town not too far from where you live, take them there without telling them where you’re going. They’ll love the spontaneity and the fact that you took the time to listen to them.
Take pride in your appearance, and in how you present yourself to the world. Making yourself look good (both in actual appearance and, more importantly, by how you conduct yourself) makes them look good too, and they will appreciate that. They won’t have fun in the relationship if they feel like they’re always nagging you to do one thing or another. They want to take care of you, but they don’t want to be your mother.
Find a balance that lets you both spend some time alone, spend time with your individual friends, and spend time with each other. Spending time with your separate friends will make you appreciate each other even more when you see each other again. Maintaining different social schedules will also give you something to “report back” when you are together again. Maintain some separate interests as well. Keep up your hobbies, sports and other interests that you had before each of you met. Though it’ll be great to find an activity that you both like together, you shouldn’t force them to watch football with you if they don’t want to, and you shouldn’t have to go to yoga with them unless it’s something you want to try. Maintaining your separate interests will help you maintain a sense of individuality, and to grow separately so that you can grow together in love and have a perfect relationship in the end.
