Notions like ‘women crave love and attention in a relationship the same way as men crave respect’ have been propagated for far too long. Resulting in a stereotypical belief that women don’t desire or expect to be respected in their relationships. However, such notions about women couldn’t be farther from the truth. Anyone and everyone, irrespective of their gender or sexual learnings, wants to be respected.
Even more so by their loved ones. Take for example the conversation you have every day. If you unknowingly cut her off just as she was starting to speak, it may just cause a slight annoyance. But when done overtimes, she might even start thinking as though you don’t value her opinions. You wouldn’t appreciate being cut off every time you started to speak, would you? Hence, how to respect a woman you love can sometimes be as simple as making sure she sees you value her opinion. It doesn’t hurt to be courteous, and sometimes being respectful is as simple as being nice.
To help you better comprehend what that means, here are some examples of how to respect a woman in a relationship.
Learn to listen to her
A simple yet very effective way to treat a woman with respect is by being a good listener. Be 100% present in your conversation with her, and when she says something, listen with your ears, heart and mind. This is particularly important if she is being vulnerable with you or sharing something that’s very important to her. Treating women with respect isn’t all about what you say to them or how you behave around them. Sometimes, it’s all about how you stop talking and attentively listens to her.
No Mansplaining
A man shows respect to a woman when he doesn’t question her intelligence or intellect. So, you could start by reining in the tendency of mansplaining – a habit of over-explaining the simplest things to a woman, often with hints of condescension or patronizing tones. Pay attention to whether you tend to correct her on things she has a vast knowledge of or disregards her expert opinions on matters because you think you know better.
Value her opinions
it is not just the big things or major life decisions that you need to value her inputs and opinions on. Paying attention to and factoring in what she says or wants in small, everyday actions can also be an expression of respect towards a woman. Ask for her input when you are planning holidays, and when she makes any suggestions, try not to look down on her. To respect your girlfriend, making a conscious effort to value her opinions, which will naturally turn into a habit, will do just the trick to make her feel heard.
Don’t play the protector
Most men have traditionally taken on the role of providers and protectors for their families, loves ones and partners. Thanks to centuries of conditioning, it’s natural that to respect a woman in a relationship you must protect her. Let’s get over this archaic mentality and understand how a woman wants to be treated. This is the 21st century and women no longer need knights in shining armour to rescue them.
So no matter how strong your protective instinct is, steer clear of saving her from another man who is making a pass at her or picking a fight with an ex who is pestering her. Let her handle her battles on her, but let her know that you’re there by her side every step the way. Treat your woman as a capable independent woman who can handle her issues.
Prioritize her
To respect your girlfriend or partner, you must be committed to prioritizing her above all. This definitely does not mean that you’re not entitled to personal space in the relationships or cannot go out to do your own thing every once in a while. But once in a while is the operative term here. It’s okay to hang out with your buddies once on twice a month or spend an occasional Sunday cooped up in your den. But for the better part, your partner must be the focus of your attention. You must endeavour to spend quality time with and work on deepening your connection to make her see how deeply loved and valued she is.
Don’t demean her
As you spend more time with each other, you will begin to see that she too has her share of flaws and shortcomings. As her partner, you must love and accept the not so nice aspects of her personality as you do her strengths and assets. Even if you cannot embrace them fully, you must never use them to demean or humiliate her. That’s how to respect is lost in a marriage or relationship. So don’t pass judgements or derogatory comments about her looks, her weight, habits and personality traits. If you strongly feel that she needs to work upon some of these aspects, talk to her gently and politely.
Make her feel secure
Once insecurity takes hold, respect is lost in a relationship. That’s why you must do your best to make her feel emotionally and physically secure with you. Don’t play mind games or flirt with other women just to make her feel jealous. Instead, work on being emotionally available and invested in the relationship enough for her to feel that she has nothing to worry about. By doing so, you’ll make it that much easier for her to give her all to the relationship. And together, you can build something beautiful and lasting. Respect a woman because it will end up making you a better person. When you make her feel secure, you will start valuing the relationship more and start doing all you can to make it last.
Value her consent
To respect your girlfriend or wife, you have to value and respect her consent even while dating. Don’t take advantage of her in bed or impose yourself on her either physically or through manipulation just because your desire is firing her up. If she says no to your advances, you must stop whatever is that you’re doing.
Speak to her respectfully
How to respect a woman in a relationship? A simple answer to this question is by being mindful of your choice of words. This is especially crucial when you’re having a disagreement or in the middle of a raging fight. While you have every right to express your opinions, using harsh words or profanities is neither necessary nor desirable. Fight respectfully, omit harsh words from your dictionary altogether. It is not okay to use them for your partner or any other woman for that matter, irrespective of how badly you’re feeling or offended.
Be honest with her
Honestly is non-negotiable for a healthy relationship. Even if you have done something that you know she wouldn’t approve of or you’re embarrassed about, come clean to her anyway. Yes, it might hurt her at the moment or even lead to a squabble. But by not keeping her in the dark you’re telling her that you recognize that she deserves the truth and are willing to give it to her. No matter how ugly or unpleasant it may be. That’s how a man shows respect to a woman and wins hers in turn. By trying to keep her in the dark, you’re just risking the relationship if she ever finds out about things you’re hiding.
Support her
You can also treat a woman with respect by becoming her biggest support system. Whether it is in personal or professional spheres, be there by her side and cheer her on to reach her full potential. Support can mean holding her when she’s having a meltdown at home or taking a day off to watch the kids when she has an important presentation at work. These actions will let her know that you value her and all that she does. By supporting her like you do your favourite sports team, she’ll feel that you really care about the relationship you two form. She won’t abandon and you’ll, in turn, be figuring out how to treat a woman with respect.
Don’t betray her trust
Want to respect a woman in a relationship? Stay by focusing on building irreproachable trust. Avoid any actions that can sow seeds of doubts and insecurity in her mind. This includes anything from secretly stalking an ex on social media to hooking up with a coworker, concealing financial details, and lying or her to hang out with your friends. The deceit of any kind can not only make your partner feel humiliated and crushed but also drive a permanent wedge between you both.
Appreciate her
To make your woman feel respected and cherished, you must appreciate her for who she is and what she brings to the relationship. And do so in your private space as well as publicly. A simple ‘I’m so proud of the way she handled that crisis at work when you’re out on a double date or having dinner with friends can go a long way in boosting her self-esteem and making her feel cherished. Similarly, planting a kiss on her forehead and saying, ‘I’ think you are amazing for no reason at all can also work wonders. When you learn to respect a woman in a relationship, she will go above and beyond to reciprocate. So, you are investing in building a relationship that can stand the roughest storms.
