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Learn the meaning of boyfriend as a noun and an adjective, and see how to use it in different contexts. Find out the synonyms, translations and pronunciation of boyfriend.
- Overview
- Define the relationship
- Spend quality time with the
- Be hones
- Trust your partne
- Be a good listene
- Contribute to conversation
- Handle conflict respectfull
- Learn to compromis
- Support them unconditionall
Being a good boyfriend isn't always easy, even if you have an amazing partner—but it’s something any guy can do with a little focus and effort. Good boyfriends know when to talk or listen, when to offer advice or empathy, and when to be super attentive or give their partner some space. In short, they adapt to the situation and know the job is never finished. We interviewed relationship experts to bring you the ultimate list of tips on how to be the best boyfriend you can be for your significant other.
What do good boyfriends do?
Spend quality time with your partner and give them thoughtful gifts that show how well you know them.
Listen to your partner when they need to talk and open up to them in return. Be vulnerable and express your needs while also honoring theirs.
Be upfront about your expectations and desires for the relationship.
It might feel like everyone is playing it cool and avoiding labels—but that can lead to misunderstandings. Transparency is the best way to show someone you’re serious about the relationship! Let your partner know how you view the relationship and what your intentions are going forward.
For example, if you’re dating someone casually and want to be official (or exclusive), say so openly. That way, there’s no possibility of being misunderstood.
Tell them how you feel going forward, too! Don’t make your partner wonder where they stand with you or how much you like them. Tell them directly how you feel about them, and remind them often how much you care.
Make one-on-one time a priority to show your commitment.
Being a good boyfriend means going out of your way to spend time with your partner, just the two of you together. So, schedule time each week to spend with them—whether that means dates, meals, or even just setting aside an hour to watch your favorite show together.
Try sitting down with your partner once a week (or month) to determine when you can spend time together.
Relationship expert Joshua Pompey emphasizes the importance of putting the effort in. Take the initiative to plan dates, and try choosing activities that show you’re paying attention to your partner’s interests.
Honesty is always the best policy in relationships.
of your relationship, then you'll be less likely to run into trouble (or miscommunications) down the line. Then, accept their honesty as well; sometimes the truth isn’t always what you might want to hear, but it’s important to respect their honest perspective instead of rejecting it.
Tell them what they need to know without overwhelming them. For example, if you had a serious past relationship, you can talk about it without revealing every detail about your ex.
Temper your honesty with kindness
Don't feel like every response should seem like a compliment; just offer an alternative.
For example, if they ask you if you like something they’re trying on, say something like, “It might work, but the blue is my favorite so far. It shows off your eyes and stunning personality!”
Give your partner reasons to trust you, too.
Trust should form the foundation of your relationship. This will help you create a stronger and more open relationship and give you a greater understanding of their feelings and needs. Give your partner the benefit of the doubt, and believe them when they tell you what they’re doing or where they’ve been.
Show that you trust your partner by telling them something many people don't know about you.
Secure their trust in you by showing your concern if they tell you something personal and important to them.
If you start to feel jealous, make an effort to
in a healthy way. Ask for reassurance from your partner instead of letting jealousy affect the relationship.
Show them you’re interested and fully engaged when they’re talking.
Instead of thinking about the next thing you want to say (or something else entirely) while your partner talks, focus on
Dating coach John Keegan says it’s important to let your partner express themselves (and pay attention) so they feel heard and understood.
If your partner tells you about an important experience, make a mental note. Remembering is just as important as acknowledging their words!
Don’t assume you know how your partner feels, even if you’ve been together for a while. Be curious and ask them questions to learn more about them.
Use those questions to get to know your partner’s innermost thoughts, feelings, dreams, and fears.
Strike a balance between speaking and listening.
If you’re too quiet, they might think you’re losing interest—but if you’re so talkative they can’t get a word in edgewise, they might get frustrated! Remember that conversations (and relationships) are about give and take; they can’t succeed when they’re one-sided.
Of course, there’ll be occasions when you talk a lot (like when something exciting or important happens) or when you’re quiet (like when something bad happens). Overall, though, just do your best to aim for balanced conversations.
Ask your partner about their day! Find out what’s happening in their world—and, in turn, become their confidant. Conversations like this can build intimacy and trust.
Make the goal of each argument to ensure you both feel understood.
Psychotherapist Kelli Miller explains that it’s important to
instead of avoiding conflict. Wait until you and your partner are calm, and be honest about what’s bothering you while using a neutral tone. Don’t try to “win” the dispute or prove your point; simply explain your perspective and listen to theirs.
Miller also recommends starting off with something positive before saying what’s bothering you.
For example, you could say, “I love how much fun we have together,” before saying, “One thing I’ve noticed is that you’re on your phone a lot, and it would mean a lot to me if you were more present.”
Remember not to yell at your partner, tear them down, or make mean-spirited jokes. Yelling can be frightening for them, and verbal attacks can really hurt their self-esteem.
Compromise is a big part of successful communication.
If you and your partner can't disagree without getting into a big fight or one person immediately giving in to the needs of the other, there’s a problem. To
, talk about your needs and wants while understanding where your partner is coming from (instead of ignoring their side of the story).
After you and your partner discuss your thoughts on a certain situation, you can work together to make a pros and cons list and decide what’s best for both of you.
Support can build a sense of security in the relationship.
in order to build their confidence. Cheer them on, show interest in what they tell you, be available to them, and be attentive to their needs. Make them feel like they can do anything simply by reminding them that you believe in them.
For example, be there when they have to study for a big exam or finish college applications, or when they're stressed about anything else that can affect their future.
If they're having a busy week or month, support them by doing small favors, like picking up lunch or giving them a ride to class, to make their days easier.
A boyfriend is a man who is a friend or acquaintance to the speaker, often specifying a regular male companion with whom a person is platonically, romantically or sexually involved. [1] A boyfriend can also be called an admirer, beau, suitor and sweetheart. [2]
Jun 21, 2024 · To love your boyfriend, get to know the real him by spending time with him and his friends. Invite them over for dinner or a few beers, and let your boyfriend get out of "boyfriend mode." When the two of you are alone, talk openly about subjects both of you are passionate about.
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Learn the meaning of boyfriend as a noun, with synonyms, example sentences, and word history. Find out how to use boyfriend in a sentence and how to cite this entry.
Jun 7, 2023 · Learn how to level up your love game and become the boyfriend of her dreams with this in-depth guide of 35 golden tips. From listening and communicating to showing appreciation and respect, discover new ways to be a good boyfriend for the girl you love.
Aug 25, 2023 · In this article, we will explore the 15 Signs of a Great Boyfriend. He is trustworthy, reliable, and always there for you. He listens to you, supports you, and respects your boundaries. He is thoughtful, considerate, and loyal. He understands and encourages your dreams.
