5 Traits That Makes A Good Partner (And How To Become One)
We all dream of a loving and caring partner in our lives, and who doesn’t want a perfectly healthy relationship, right? But, have you ever thought about what traits make a good partner? Or have you been blindly following the list that everyone else seems to follow when it comes to a loving partner?
If you’re in a loving relationship, then it’s common to wonder about the qualities of your partner and how those contribute to your relationship. And I get it, I truly do. What I have on my “List of traits for a partner” might be different from what you have. After all, we’re all different.
Yet, some characteristics can make a good partner and spouse. If your partner has these basic traits, then you can rest assured that you’re in a fairly loving relationship.
Although, it needs to be understood that various attachment styles may hinder your pursuit of a good partner or even an anxiety-free relationship. If you find yourself unable to find a partner or a healthy relationship, then talking with a professional might help you understand your attachment style and how you can cope with it.
Meanwhile, I hope these traits of a good partner might help you get closer to having a loving and caring relationship.
What Makes A Good Partner?
1. Great Communication Skills
And by great, I mean effective. Without effective communication, you can’t have a healthy relationship. Honest and open communication is key in any romantic relationship. And this is backed by scientific evidence too! Studies show that having open communication in a relationship and offering open support to each other can resolve conflicts effectively.
If you ask me what makes a good, even a great partner, effective communication skills would be on the top of my list. This trait also includes expressing appreciation, gratitude, and love towards and for each other.
Relationships are not a one-way street but a two-way street so you need to understand that it’s not just your partner’s communication that matters, but yours too. Try to practice active listening and understanding before you respond instinctively.
2. Emotional Safety
Along with feeling physically safe, you need to look out for emotional safety too. Emotional security means you feel safe enough in the relationship to express your feelings and emotions without feeling rejected or judged by your partner. And trust me, this trait is one of the most important ones that make a good partner in a relationship.
And physical safety is just as important as emotional safety. You need to be able to trust your partner to not hurt you or abuse you. If you can’t feel physically and emotionally safe with your partner, then it won’t be a healthy relationship.
If you want to work on your emotional traits, then you can try respecting your partner’s boundaries, avoiding manipulation tactics, and listening to them without judgment.
3. Trust
You can’t have a foundation for a happy and healthy relationship without trust. Trust is an essential ingredient of a relationship, so it is on our list of what makes a good partner and eventually a healthy relationship. When there is trust in the relationship, you know that there will be safety and security too.
In some studies, it was found that trust in relationships can lead to emotional stability, fewer conflicts, better satisfaction, and a long-loving relationship.
Here’s what you can do to improve your trustworthiness in your partner’s eyes:
- Try to stay true to your word and promises
- Avoid snooping on them
- Respect your partner’s privacy and personal space
- Be vulnerable with them
- Honor your partner’s needs
4. Respect
I’m talking about mutual respect here. You can’t have a healthy relationship without mutual respect. Now, what do I mean by mutual respect? Simple! It means that you respect each other’s personality and character. Without mutual respect, your relationship is bound to end up in resentment and contempt.
When you both adhere to mutual respect in the relationship, you appreciate each other’s individuality, uniqueness, and characteristics.
If you’re expecting respect from a partner, here’s what you can do to give the same respect to them. Avoid name-calling or bullying them into doing things, allow them to share their emotions, appreciate them even through challenges, allow their uniqueness to shine, and work together to solve conflicts that arise in the relationship.
5. Comproise
Again, we’re talking about mutual compromise here! There might come a time when you’ll disagree with your partner on certain issues – and it’s OK. You just need to remember that saying “NO” is OK and does not make you a bad spouse or partner in the relationship. Boundaries are important but sometimes so are compromises.
In a recent study, it was found that unwillingness to compromise, being insensitive toward your partner, and not trusting your partner can lead to unhealthy relationships. Instead of making unnecessary compromises, you can try to meet your partner halfway.
Here are some tips to help you;
- Stay open-minded and receptive to your partner’s experiences
- Listen to your partner’s wishes
- Consider their point of view
- Try to find a middle ground
- Be honest with your feelings
- Allow alternatives to your problems in the relationship
How to Become a Good Partner?
1. Spend time with your partner:
You can’t ignore your partner if you don’t want the same happening to you, right? S if you can’t have your partner ignore you and your relationship, don’t do it either. Try to spend some time with your partner and when doing so, make sure you give your undivided attention to them.
2. Don’t neglect communication:
You can’t expect your partner to be open and honest with their feelings but then don’t do the same. If you want your partner to be effective with their communication, you need to stay connected with them through your communication too.
3. Remember, it’s all about give and take:
If you’re only doing the taking but not the giving, it’s neither fair nor healthy. Keep in mind that relationships are a two-way street and it’s all about give and take. If your partner is meeting you halfway then it’s your responsibility to do the same.
4. Be ready for ups and downs:
No relationship is perfect and arguments or disagreements are bound to happen. However, if you’re not ready to face the dark side of relationships, then how will you reassure yourself that you’re a good partner in the long run? Make sure you express your concerns with your partner and that you’re both ready to face the challenges in the relationship.
Wrap-Up
Healthy relationships are all about great communication, trust, respect, compromise, and safety between partners. If you don’t have either of these traits in a partner, then your relationship will be founded on shaky foundations that might one day crumble into nothingness. But, it’s also about making sure that there is no misuse or imbalance of power between the partners.
If you’re looking for a good partner, then you need to understand independence and individuality. Without these two important elements, the above ingredients won’t have a chance to bind, leaving you with a bad recipe.
I hope this article helps you answer the question, “What makes a good partner?”. For more, you can write to us at info@calmsage.com or DM us on social media. You can also share your thoughts in the comments below.
Take Care!