Rejoice Njoku
I used to have a friend who was in a relationship with this guy whom I thought was really great. However, not long after they got together, their relationship ended.
When I asked why, she confided in me and confessed that her partner complained that she was taking him for granted a lot in the relationship.
She was making all the decisions, dismissing her partner’s input and trivialising his opinions on some issues. Little did she know that her attitude was slowly eroding the relationship.
Over time, her partner stopped sharing his thoughts with her altogether, and with the break in communication came a distance that led to the collapse of the relationship.
Have you ever found yourself in a similar situation? Maybe you’ve taken your partner’s opinions for granted or dismissed their thoughts without really listening.
How many times have you answered, “sure!” without really knowing what was said to you?
Almost all of us are guilty of this at some point. But it becomes a problem when it becomes very frequent.
This can lead to feelings of resentment, frustration, and even a breakdown in communication.
But it doesn’t have to be that way. There are several better things you can do instead of not valuing your partner’s opinions and thoughts.
By taking a few simple steps, you can show your partner that you value their input and strengthen your connection with them.
Whether you’re in a long-term relationship or just starting out, these tips can help you build a stronger, healthier, and more fulfilling relationship with your partner. So, let’s get started!
Encourage Communication
Encouraging open communication in your relationship can lead to a deeper understanding and appreciation of your partner. It can also help you work through any issues or concerns that may arise.
Start by creating a safe, non-judgmental space for your partner to express their thoughts and feelings. Listen actively and avoid interrupting or dismissing their opinions.
One way to encourage communication is to ask open-ended questions that require more than a yes or no answer.
So, instead of your usual, “Did you have a good day?” switch things up and ask, “What was the best part of your day?”
Your partner will share more of their experiences and feelings this way..
Another way to encourage communication is to express your own thoughts and feelings in a non-confrontational way.
Share how you feel about a situation and ask for your partner’s perspective. This can help create a dialogue where both of you feel heard and valued.
Regularly checking in with each other and discussing any concerns or issues can help prevent misunderstandings or resentment from building up over time.
It also shows your partner that you value their thoughts and opinions and are willing to work together towards a solution.
Be a Better Listener
There’s something about being a good listener that draws people to you and makes you a great partner.
When your partner is sharing their opinions or thoughts, actively listen to what they have to say. Try to understand their perspective and ask questions to clarify anything you don’t understand.
It shows your partner that you value what they’re saying and that you’re willing to put in the effort to understand them.
When you actively listen, you’re not just hearing the words your partner is saying, but you’re also paying attention to their tone, body language, and emotions.
To be an active listener, start by setting aside distractions and focusing on your partner when you talk.
Make eye contact, nod your head, and use verbal cues like “mm-hmm” to show that you’re engaged. Avoid interrupting or finishing your partner’s sentences, and instead, let them speak their mind.
When your partner is done speaking, summarize what you heard to make sure you understood them correctly.
Ask follow-up questions to clarify anything that’s unclear or to show that you’re interested in their thoughts.
Remember, active listening isn’t just about hearing your partner’s words, but it’s also about understanding their perspective.
By listening actively, you’ll create a safe and supportive environment where your partner feels heard and valued. You’ll also build trust and understanding, which can strengthen your relationship over time.
So, next time your partner shares their thoughts or opinions with you, take the time to actively listen and show them that you care.
Don’t Do Things Alone
Sometimes it might be tempting to act independently and make decisions without consulting your partner, but that can lead to resentment and distrust. What’s the point in being in a relationship if you’re still going to act like you aren’t?
When you do things and discuss things together, you create a partnership where both of you have equal say. Now, that’s true equality!
It’s not about one person being right and the other being wrong; it’s about finding a solution that works for both of you.
Relationships are built on communication and compromise, and the best way to make decisions together is to have open discussions.
When it comes to valuing your partner’s opinions and thoughts, it’s essential to include them in the decision-making process.
You might have different perspectives, but that’s where the beauty of being in a relationship comes in; you get to learn and grow from each other.
Take the time to discuss issues that are bothering you with your partner. Don’t think to yourself, “oh, it’s none of their business”. It’s your business, which makes it your partner’s business.
You should also discuss matters that concern both of you, like housing and taking care of the home. Listen to each other’s opinions, and work towards finding a solution that makes both of you happy.
It might not always be easy, but the effort you put into it will strengthen your relationship in the long run.
Next time you’re faced with a decision, take the time to discuss it together and work towards finding a solution that makes both of you happy.
Show Empathy
Showing empathy is an essential part of any healthy relationship. When your partner is expressing their thoughts or feelings, it’s important to show that you understand where they’re coming from.
There’s no need to agree with them or share their point of view, but taking the time to empathize with them can go a long way in strengthening your connection.
When your partner is speaking, make eye contact and give them your full attention. Try to understand what they’re saying by paraphrasing their thoughts and feelings back to them.
This will help them feel heard and validated, which can make them more likely to open up to you in the future.
Another way to show empathy is by acknowledging your partner’s emotions. This means recognizing how they feel and validating their experiences.
For example, if your partner tells you that they’re feeling anxious about an upcoming job interview, you might say something like, “I can see how that would be really stressful for you. I’m here for you, and I believe in you.”
It’s also important to recognize that everyone experiences emotions differently. Just because you wouldn’t react the same way as your partner doesn’t mean their feelings aren’t valid.
Instead of dismissing their emotions or telling them to “just get over it,” try to understand where they’re coming from and offer support.
Seek Their Advice
You know, seeking advice from your partner is a great way to show that you value their opinions and thoughts.
It can also strengthen your relationship by fostering open communication and trust.
My partner is a car enthusiast. He knows everything there is to know about them. I, on the other hand, am not so good when it comes to cars.
So, you can imagine my surprise when he once approached me to ask what I thought about a new ride he was looking to get.
Of course, I didn’t have anything to say that he hadn’t already considered, but the fact that he thought to ask made a lot of difference.
Asking for advice can also be a way to learn and grow together as a couple. Maybe you’re facing a difficult decision at work or struggling with a personal issue.
Your partner might have some insights or ideas that you haven’t thought of yet. And who knows, maybe you’ll end up discovering something new about each other in the process.
Of course, it’s important to be mindful of how and when you ask for advice. Make sure you’re not putting too much pressure on your partner or making them feel like they have to solve all your problems.
It’s also okay if they don’t have all the answers – sometimes, just having someone to talk to can make all the difference.
If you find yourself in a jam, turn to your partner for their input. I’m sure you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
Take Action
You should take action when your partner shares their thoughts or opinions with you. It shows that you’re taking their perspective seriously and that you’re committed to your relationship.
It’s not enough to simply listen and acknowledge their concerns; you need to actively work towards addressing them.
For example, if your partner brings up an issue with how you communicate, take the initiative to change your approach. If they express a need for more quality time together, make an effort to plan activities or set aside specific times to spend together.
By taking action, you demonstrate that you value their opinions and are willing to put in the effort to make things better.
Taking action doesn’t have to be a major, life-changing event either. Sometimes, small changes can make a big difference. It can be as simple as showing up on time for a date night or remembering to say “I love you” before you leave for work.
If you would normally do something your own way, maybe try your partner’s way for a change.
These actions show that you’re committed to your relationship and that you value what your partner thinks.
It’s important to remember that taking action requires ongoing effort. It’s not enough to make a change once and assume that the issue is resolved.
You need to continue to make an effort and work together to maintain a healthy and happy relationship.
Show Appreciation
Showing appreciation for your partner’s opinions and thoughts is important in any relationship. It lets them know that their input matters to you and that you value their perspective.
Here are some creative ways to show your appreciation:
- Take the time to listen actively to your partner when they are sharing their thoughts and ideas. Show that you are engaged by asking follow-up questions or making eye contact.
- Use their ideas and suggestions to plan a surprise date night or activity that you know they will enjoy.
- Write a thoughtful note or card to express your gratitude for their perspective or input on a particular situation.
- Say “thank you” when your partner offers their opinion, even if you ultimately choose a different course of action.
- Cook their favourite meal or treat as a way to say “thank you” for their help or support.
- Publicly acknowledge your partner’s contributions in front of friends or family, such as saying, “I couldn’t have done this without my partner’s input.”
- Plan a small gesture or gift that shows you were thinking of them, such as bringing home a bouquet of flowers or a small treat.
Remember that showing appreciation doesn’t have to be grand or expensive. It’s often the small, thoughtful gestures that mean the most to your partner.
By taking the time to show your appreciation, you’re building a stronger, more supportive relationship.
Conclusion: Respecting Your Partner’s Opinions
Hey, it’s time to show your partner some love and appreciation. Remember, your relationship is a team effort, and you both deserve to be heard and respected.
Don’t let your ego or stubbornness get in the way of building a stronger and healthier bond.
So, let’s put these seven tips into action: Listen actively, be open-minded, avoid dismissing their feelings, ask for their input, show gratitude, compromise, and communicate effectively.
These small changes can make a big difference in how your partner feels about your relationship.
You’ll be surprised at how much more connected and fulfilled you’ll both feel once you start prioritizing each other’s thoughts and feelings.
Don’t wait any longer; it’s time to take action and show your partner the love and respect they deserve. Go ahead and give it a try!
