Do You Fight Fair?

7 Ways to Recognize and Respect Your Partner’s Actions and Boundaries

Being in a romantic relationship has many wonderful moments, and can be very fulfilling. It is not always easy though, and sometimes requires a great deal of work. It can be difficult to learn to read your partner’s signals, spoken and unspoken.

Learning to recognize and respect your partner’s actions and boundaries is one of the most loving things you can do for them.

Here is what you need to know about it:

Fight Fair – When you disagree with your partner on any issue, it is far too easy to get into an argument about the matter. Choose to fight fair. Don’t call your partner’s character into question, as this is a major violation of boundaries. Stick to the topic at hand and don’t launch a verbal assault on the other party.

Know When to Offer Advice – Be intuitive to your partner and know when they are seeking advice, or just want a listening ear. Offering advice should only be done when requested, and should be given in the best interest of your partner. Be sensitive with your advice and be careful not to infringe on their thought process when they simply need you to listen to them.

Respect Their Need for Alone Time – Even when they are in a relationship with someone they love and admire, the need for alone time is big for some individuals. It doesn’t necessarily mean that the person doesn’t like being around you; it’s simply a need that must be respected. When you feel your partner is craving this kind of alone time, offer to take an evening off from each other in order to recharge.

Know When to Walk Away – When you are in an argument and things are getting heated, know when to back off. If you understand your partner, you will realize when things are getting to where both of you will regret the words that might be said next. If your partner walks away or says the conversation is over, choose to respectfully take a break.

Know Their Body Language – There is no better way to learn your partner’s actions and boundaries than to become an observant student of their body language. Take note of how they act when they are pleased with the situation, and when they are not. Know what signals to watch out for that would indicate they feel you have crossed the line. This will help you know how to fully support them.

Respect Their Words – No means no, and all other words have their own meaning too. When your partner has said something to you, respect it. Never try to push your own agenda in order to get your way. This will only damage the relationship and cause your partner to lose respect for you. Respect your partner’s words in the same way you expect your words to be respected.

Relationships can be tricky things. There seem to be many rules to follow, and these rules can change from one day to the next. One thing that never changes, though, is the need that every human has to have their actions and boundaries respected by their partner. Learn how to do this, and to recognize them even before being said. This will show your partner you care, and will make for a healthy relationship that lasts many years.