Respect. We hear the word a lot during arguments or in conversations with couples counselors, but it can be hard to envision what respect looks and feels like in a relationship. The nature of our relationships may vary, but all of them require some level of respect. And learning how to communicate our respect in a romantic relationship is vital in keeping it healthy and progressive.

Let's get one thing straight: we don't have to like everyone. Our professional relationships are likely to be far more superficial than those we have with our family, and it’s okay to harbor different levels of respect for our peers than we do for our partner. But entering (and remaining in) a romantic relationship with another person demands that we give respect to that person, and there is no way around it. 

Quick Tips for Showing Respect in a Relationship

1. Speak your mind honestly and completely, and be willing to actively listen when your partner speaks.

2. Apologize sincerely when you do something wrong.

3. Meet your partner’s small mistakes with forgiveness, and acknowledge that all people and all relationships have flaws.

4. Show gratitude regularly, and be sincere about it.

5. Celebrate each other during success. Encourage each other during failure.

Sincerity Shows Respect

We see the word sincerity a lot in these tips and when we talk about what respect looks like. That’s because meaning what you say and doing things with your partner in mind clearly communicates respect in a relationship. If you do what you tell your partner you intend to do, trust is build and respect is felt. If you half-heartedly apologize for something that truly hurt your partner’s feelings, it communicates a lack of caring, and thus, a lack of respect.

Respecting Boundaries

Sometimes, we get jealous. Sometimes, we want something sexual that our partner doesn’t want. Sometimes, we assume we know what your partner is thinking or feeling. But to truly respect our partner, we need to honor their boundaries, whether they are physical, emotional, social, or situational, and we need to put the time in to understand what those boundaries are. Breaking boundaries is a ticket to broken trust, but by respecting our partner’s boundaries, not only is our partner more likely to reciprocate but we are giving your partner what every person deserves. And isn’t that what we all want for our partners?

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