A healthy and lasting relationship requires both partners to be caring and selfless. Though it can be difficult at times, making an effort to be selfless towards your partner is one of the most important things you can do to ensure a happy relationship.

Whether it’s sacrificing your time to do something they enjoy or simply lending a listening ear during tough times, showing that you care about your partner’s happiness will go a long way in developing a strong and healthy relationship.

So how can you become more selfless and caring in your relationship?

5 steps to not be selfish in a relationship:

1- Be considerate of your partner’s feelings and needs:

It’s true that one of the most important things in a relationship is being selfless. This does not mean that you should do everything for your partner and let them walk all over you. But, it means that you should be willing to put their needs above your own, at least sometimes.

It’s important to be considerate of your partner’s needs and feelings. We can get so wrapped up in our own lives that we forget to think about how our actions might affect our loved ones. But, if you can learn to be more mindful of your partner’s feelings and needs, and be ready to meet them and keep them positive; you’ll be well on your way to being selfless in your relationship.

Pay attention to their needs and try to always check in on them. Make sure they feel loved, supported, and respected at all times. In fact, if you make an effort to be selfless, it will go a long way in strengthening your bond. When your partner knows that you are truly invested in their happiness, it can make all the difference in the world.

2- Focus on your partner’s happiness:

Most people enter into a relationship with the goal of making themselves happy. But if you want your relationship to thrive, you need to focus on your partner’s happiness too.

True happiness comes from being selfless and thinking about our partner’s well-being and maximum satisfaction, first. Putting our partner’s happiness before our own can be a challenge, but it’s so worth it when we see the smile on their face. It might mean making a sacrifice here and there, but seeing our partner happy should be worth more than anything.

When we focus on giving instead of taking, we create a strong foundation for a lasting relationship built on love and mutual respect. So next time you’re thinking about what you want in a relationship, take a step back and focus on what will make your partner happy instead. You may just find that what they need is exactly what you need too.

3- Learn to read your partner’s body language:

One way to make sure your partner is never left behind neglected or in distress while you didn’t even notice; is to learn to read your partner’s body language.

If they are standing with their arms crossed, they may be feeling defensive or closed off. If they are leaning towards you, they may be feeling open and receptive. Try to understand what your partner is communicating non-verbally, and respond accordingly.

Reading their body language and noticing when they’re getting tense or frustrated, and then offering help, a massage, or a hug; can be a proof of love and devotion. Or you could do something bigger, like giving up your Saturday plans so they can spend time with their family if that’s what they want.

Whatever it is, small acts of selflessness will let your partner know that you care about them, and that’s what really matters in a relationship. So keep your attention on the type of expressions they have on their face and learn to differentiate and understand everything without the need for them to speak.

4- Don’t be afraid to compromise:

Another way to be selfless in a relationship is to let go of the need to always be right. If your partner disagrees with you about something, it doesn’t mean that they don’t love or respect you. It just means that they have a different perspective.

Try to see things from their point of view, and don’t be afraid to compromise. Being selfless in a relationship takes effort, but it is worth it. When you are able to put your partner first and above yourself, it creates a deeper level of intimacy and connection.

Hopefully, they will try and do the same so the two of you can look out for one another and be an unstoppable team! In fact, successful relationships require compromise from both partners. If one person is always putting their own needs first, it can lead to resentment and conflict.

Instead, both partners need to be willing to put the other person’s needs above their own from time to time. And, this brings us to the next point:

5- Make sure you take care of yourself too:

Being selfless doesn’t mean that you should never do anything for yourself; rather, it means making an effort to consider your partner’s feelings and needs before making decisions. It’s also important to be generous with your time and attention.

Small gestures like checking in during the day or offering advice when they need it, can make a big difference in your partner’s happiness. However, it is undeniable that the happier and more well-rested and balanced you are, the less you will be cranky or grumpy when dealing with your partner.

This is why being selfless doesn’t mean that you should neglect yourself or your own needs. In fact, if you do that your mental and physical health might suffer, which will make it very hard for you to please anyone at all because you won’t be in the right place or shape to do so. Here is one easy way to make sure you’re well-taken care of too by yourself, while in your journey to selflessness.