21 Strategies for Being a Better Boyfriend: Everything You Should Know

• Spend meaningful moments with your partner and give them thoughtful gifts that reflect your understanding of their personality.
• Be there for your partner when they want to talk, and open up to them as well. Embrace vulnerability by expressing your needs while respecting theirs.
• Show your affection openly, whether in private or in public. Focus on their happiness and always honor their boundaries.

• If you're casually dating someone but want to make it official (or exclusive), communicate that directly. This ensures there's no room for misinterpretation.
• Let them know your feelings as things progress! Don't leave your partner guessing about where they stand or how much you care. Be open about your emotions, and frequently remind them how much they mean to you.

• Consider scheduling a weekly (or monthly) session with your partner to decide when you can share time together.
• Relationship expert Joshua Pompey stresses the importance of putting in the effort. Take the initiative to plan dates and select activities that show you’re attentive to your partner’s interests.

• Share the necessary information without overwhelming your partner. For example, if you’ve had a serious past relationship, you can discuss it, but without disclosing every detail about your ex.
• Be kind in your honesty. You don’t need every answer to sound like a compliment; just offer an alternative perspective.
• If they ask if you like something they’re wearing, say, “It could work, but I think the blue one stands out more—it highlights your eyes and fantastic personality!”

• Show that you trust your partner by sharing something personal that not many people know about you.
• Build their trust in you by expressing genuine concern if they confide in you about something personal and significant.
• If you begin to feel jealous, make a conscious effort to manage your jealousy constructively. Rather than letting jealousy strain the relationship, seek reassurance from your partner.

• If your partner shares an important experience, make a note of it. Remembering is just as crucial as acknowledging their words!
• Don’t assume you know exactly how your partner feels, even after being together for a while. Remain curious and ask questions to discover more about them.
• Use these questions to learn about your partner’s deepest thoughts, emotions, aspirations, and fears.

• There will certainly be moments when you speak more (like when something exciting happens) or when you’re quiet (like when something troubling occurs). But overall, try to keep a balanced flow in your conversations.
• Ask your partner about their day! Get curious about what’s going on in their world, and, as a result, become their trusted confidant. These types of conversations can strengthen intimacy and trust.

• Miller also suggests beginning with a positive statement before addressing the issue at hand.
• For instance, you could start with, “I really love how much fun we have together,” followed by, “I’ve noticed you’re on your phone quite a bit, and I’d appreciate it if you could be more present.”
• Avoid yelling, tearing your partner down, or making harsh jokes. Yelling can intimidate your partner, and verbal attacks can severely impact their self-esteem.
• Learn how to apologize, own up to your mistakes, and acknowledge your partner’s feelings. Don’t say things like, “I’m sorry you feel that way,” or “Sorry if I hurt you.”

• After discussing your perspectives on a specific matter, collaborate on making a pros and cons list to come to a solution that works best for both of you.
• There will be times when both you and your partner need to yield a bit. That’s perfectly acceptable, as long as it’s reciprocal. For example, if your partner chooses the movie for date night, you can take charge of selecting the restaurant next time.

Love requires effort, mutual respect, and compromise. No one is perfect, but through patience and hard work, you can build a strong foundation of trust and respect that fosters a long-lasting relationship.

• For instance, offer your presence when they’re studying for a major exam, working on applications, or feeling stressed about their future prospects.
• If they’re going through a hectic period, ease their burden by taking care of small tasks like grabbing lunch for them or offering a ride to their class.
• Be there to help them work through their problems. If they’re facing a tough time, your support may be just what they need, whether it's being a sounding board or helping them navigate the challenge.

• If you feel like you’re not truly sorry or feeling empathetic toward them, try shifting your mindset and look at the situation from their perspective.
• Sometimes, your partner might just need to cry or be comforted. In those moments, refrain from immediately trying to fix the issue.
• Allow them space to process their emotions before offering practical solutions. If they’re upset, ask, "Would you like to talk about it?" And if they’re not ready, respect their space and avoid pushing them to open up.

• When you reunite after being apart for a while, you could say, "I missed you..." and wrap your arms around them for a warm hug.
• It’s essential to show your partner that you’re just as happy to express affection in public as you are in private, but make sure not to overdo it. If you're unsure how they feel about PDA, it’s always best to ask.
• Based on what they enjoy, consider giving a gentle kiss on their lips, cheek, forehead, or neck—or even kiss their hand by gently pressing it to your lips.

• The more specific you are, the more impactful your compliment. Instead of just saying, "You look nice," try something like, "Your smile lights up the room," or "Your haircut suits you perfectly."
• Even the smallest compliments can make a difference. Telling them, "You have amazing handwriting!" or "You’re fantastic at parking," can really lift their spirits.
• Don’t forget to compliment them when they’ve clearly made an effort to look their best—such as on a date. Acknowledge when they get a new haircut or outfit and tell them they look stunning!

• As relationship expert Joshua Pompey explains, "The best gifts don’t always come with a hefty price tag—sometimes the simplest ones can be the most meaningful. What matters is showing your partner that you care about their happiness."
• Consider adding a personal touch, like gifting them a necklace with their name or a symbol that represents something they love (for example, a snowflake for a skiing enthusiast or a musical note for a musician).
• Don’t just think about physical gifts—experiential gifts, like a fun outing or an adventure, can be much more exciting and memorable than material things.
• Sometimes, surprise them with a gift "just because." Choose something unexpected and let them know it was a spontaneous gesture because you were thinking of them.

• Keep a record of the tasks and assign them so both of you know what you’re responsible for handling.
• Your partner will likely appreciate having a partner who shares the work, as opposed to someone who needs constant care.

• For instance, an argument shouldn’t stop you from caring for your partner when they’re ill, or from offering a helping hand if their car breaks down.
• Don’t forget to take your partner’s sexual desires into account too. Understand what brings them joy in bed and make their pleasure a priority—don’t focus solely on your own.
• Respecting your partner’s boundaries is key to prioritizing their well-being. Never pressure or guilt them into doing something they’ve clearly expressed they don’t want to do (in or out of the bedroom).

• Let your partner know when you need something, even if it’s hard for you to ask for help. Leaning on them and sharing your struggles is actually a positive thing!
• If you bottle up your emotions, you’ll miss out on the closeness that comes from confiding in your partner. They won’t have the chance to offer their support, and the trust and intimacy between you two won’t grow.

• That said, spontaneity is not a bad thing—it can bring fun and excitement to the relationship.
• For instance, you might surprise your partner with a new experience, a last-minute trip, or a playful challenge (like dancing to silence or racing during a walk).

• For instance, if you find it difficult to be vulnerable, committing to open up more can make a huge difference in your relationship.
• Don’t forget about self-care! Take pride in maintaining good hygiene and setting personal goals, whether they relate to your career or your personal interests. The more you invest in your own well-being, the better you can contribute to the relationship.

• Here’s a breakdown of the five love languages:
  • Words of affirmation involve expressing love with kind words, compliments, and encouragement.
  • Physical touch is all about non-verbal affection—think hugs, kisses, hand-holding, and cuddling.
  • Acts of service are expressions of love through helpful actions, such as cooking their favorite meal or taking care of household chores.
  • Quality time involves giving your undivided attention to your partner, ensuring that the time you spend together is meaningful.
  • Gifts represent love through thoughtful and meaningful presents that reflect care and consideration.
• It’s also helpful to understand your partner’s attachment style. This can give you insight into their emotional needs and how they form bonds.
• If you’re unsure of your own love language, why not take our quiz to find out?

• Strive to find a balance where you both have time alone, time with your own friends, and time together.
• Spending time apart will help you value your moments together even more!
• Having separate social schedules also gives you fresh topics to talk about when you reunite.
• Keep pursuing the hobbies and passions you had before the relationship. While it’s great to enjoy activities together, don’t force your partner into things they don’t enjoy (and vice versa).
• Maintaining individuality in the relationship will allow you to grow together while keeping your sense of self intact.