Relationship Tips: What Does It Mean to Support Your Partner?

What does supporting your partner mean to you? Don’t they protest outright when they want to do something? Supporting them 100 percent in whatever interests them? Or ignore them until they drop the topic? While your reaction and the level of support you offer are directly influenced by the issue, you should still be able to support your partner … within reason.

If you asked 100 couples if they supported each other, the majority would most likely say yes. But do they really do it? It depends on what your definition of “support” is. If you support your partner, then you strive to be there for her as the experiences change in your life. You may not necessarily agree with the area they are interested in, but that doesn’t mean you don’t support them anyway. After all, it is it is important to your partner.

But support can come in different forms. Perhaps it is a hobby that interests them. Even if we are not interested in the same hobby, it is important to our partner, therefore it should be important to us. We should want to support them in hobbies that make them happy. If you only offer support in what interests you, then that qualifies as selfish. As long as what interests them is not harmful to them or detrimental to the relationship, let them try.

Support can also focus on the relationship. Being there for the other person is support. Helping them comfort them when they are not having a good day is supporting them. Comforting them when they have had a fight with a loved one is supportive. And of course caring for them when they are sick at home helps them too.

The thing about support is that it must be unconditional. You must be willing to support your partner without wondering if there is something for you. The couple has had a bad day and brings home a small bouquet of flowers. He had to work late and she massages his neck.

When you offer support in a relationship, you will find that your partner will be much more willing to reciprocate. As long as they feel that you support them, no matter what, and that you are genuine in supporting them and do not need to be coaxed, you can expect the same firm level of support from them in whatever you need.