Steve Calechman provides insights on how to be supportive for your partner, emphasizing that support is determined by the receiving partner’s needs rather than the giver’s intentions. The guidance highlights the importance of communication, understanding, and respect for the partner’s feelings, and provides five key strategies to improve support in a relationship.
Key Points:
- A crucial way to support your partner is by asking them directly what they need from you, instead of assuming what they might want. This could be as simple as asking, “What do you need from me right now?”.
- Confirming what you’ve heard from your partner can prevent miscommunication. By paraphrasing back their words and asking if you understood correctly, you ensure that you’re on the same page.
- Regularly checking in with questions like, “Is this working?” or “Am I giving you what you’re looking for?” can ensure your supportive efforts are being effective.
- Resisting the urge to provide unsolicited advice can help build trust. Even when you see your partner going down a path you believe to be unproductive, it’s important to allow them to come to their own conclusions.
- Asking if your partner got what they needed from you and then remembering their preferences for future instances can help to mitigate tension and make them feel more understood and supported.
Source: https://www.fatherly.com/life/how-to-be-as-supportive-as-possible
