Are you wondering if you are doing enough for your boyfriend? Well, if you want to know how to be a good girlfriend, look no further! We have the answers.
Relationships aren’t easy. If they were, no one would be getting divorced, and everyone would have a significant other. The truth is, there’s a lot of work put into a relationship, and not everything comes easy. And let’s face it – no one teaches you how to be a good girlfriend.
Many women jump through hoops to get a guy to like them, and then they don’t do anything to make him stick around once he’s hers.
This is one of the biggest mistakes in the dating world today. It seems like too many people work for the chase but not for the catch. [Read: Why men like a chase and how to use this secret in your favor]
Making him stay done right
What would you do if some guy tried to sweep you off your feet by bringing you flowers, opening the car door for you, buying you gifts you love, and suddenly just stopped doing all of it once you said yes to being his girlfriend?
Most likely, you’d be mad and probably wouldn’t be with him much longer, right?
Why? Because he’s not doing anything to make you want to stay! It works the same way around, we’re afraid. If you don’t put love and effort into your boyfriend, he won’t have many reasons to stick around.
Why it’s important to know how to be a good girlfriend
Would you want to have a boyfriend who was lazy, rude, unloving, annoying, and a slob? Sounds great, right? That was sarcasm; of course, it would not be great! [Read: 27 things a good girlfriend always does in a relationship]
So, that’s pretty much the same reason you should be a good girlfriend. Honestly, all people should strive to be the best version of themselves. Not only for themselves but for other people too.
No one wants to be in a relationship with a jerk. Or even someone who is highly annoying. So, if you want to attract a guy and keep him happy, then you are going to have to become the best version of yourself.
However, with that said, that doesn’t mean that you should just give and give and give to your boyfriend and expect nothing in return. No, absolutely not! A good relationship is about give and take. [Read: Awkward questions you should never ask a guy]
We have all the tips here for how to be a good girlfriend, but remember that you should be with a guy who puts in the effort to be the best boyfriend too! You deserve that.
Now that we have that straight, let’s talk about how you can be the best girlfriend you can possibly be.
How to be a good girlfriend
If you really want to make your man stay, then you need to be a kick-ass girlfriend. Here’s how to be the best girlfriend he’s ever had and make him want to stay for good.
1. Be attentive
First, pay attention to him. Make sure you’re present in his life and not just a bystander he calls his girlfriend. [Read: 15 what-if questions to ask your boyfriend to grow closer]
Watch how his likes and dislikes change and pay attention to them. You’ll be able to understand him better and provide him with things he likes.
2. Be nice to his friends
Even if you don’t like them, be nice to them. A man’s friends are extremely important to him, and the bond between them is something most women don’t get.
So get along with them. He’ll love you that much more for the effort. [Read: Win ’em over – how to get your boyfriend’s friends to like you]
3. Tell him you are happy
Most men gauge themselves by the way they make their woman feel. Tell him how happy he makes you and reassure him that he’s being a good boyfriend. He’ll love you for the extra assurance and the acknowledgment of all his efforts.
4. Keep it spicy
What goes on in the bedroom is going on in the relationship. If you have a dull or boring sex life, then you’ll have a dull and boring relationship. Put the extra effort in to make sure you connect sexually. [Read: Porn for couples: Why it might just save your relationship]
5. Don’t dress him
Men want a good girlfriend who will like them for who they are, not dress them up like a doll. So, appreciate his style, and don’t try to change it. That is part of the reason why you fell in love with him.
6. Don’t nag him
There is an art form to getting your boyfriend to do something you want. Nagging is NOT the way to go.
A good girlfriend avoids nagging; otherwise, she’ll annoy her boyfriend really fast. If you nag him, you will remind him of his mother. And is that what you really want? [Read: How to stop nagging your partner and let go of the partner-pestering]
7. Understand his man time
Guys need time to themselves without the presence of their girlfriends. If you really want to know how to be the best girlfriend, leave him alone sometimes. [Read: How to love your man without smothering him with too much love]
8. Be confident
Surprisingly enough, a woman’s confidence impacts a man’s happiness in the relationship.
If your boyfriend has an insecure girlfriend, he deals with your jealousy, body insecurity, and the extra pressure to make you feel good about yourself. Although it’s no one’s fault, it’s not easy for him to deal with all of that.
But if you practice self-care, address the roots of your insecurities, and work on being confident in who you are, you’ll find that your relationship will flourish. [Read: How to be more confident about yourself and fall in love with YOU]
9. Don’t make him jealous for fun
Some girlfriends think it’s funny or even sexy when their boyfriend feels jealous and mad because of another guy.
However, this seriously annoys your boyfriend and will not make him happy. Be a good girlfriend and make him stay by not making him jealous on purpose.
10. Cook for him often
And preferably cook his favorite meal. Even if you can’t cook, learn. Take a few classes, look up simple recipes, and make him food because the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, right?
This isn’t about falling into traditional roles and caring for him like a mother. This is about caring for and nourishing the love of your life.
There is nothing to say that your man shouldn’t also cook for you or that you two shouldn’t make a date night out of cooking dinner together! [Read: Cooking as a couple – romantic tips and date ideas to have fun together]
11. Feed his ego
Make him feel manly. Compliment his big muscles, tell him his beard makes him look extra manly, and just feed that ego of his.
Men live off their ego, so make sure to boost it whenever you get the chance. Who doesn’t love a compliment?
12. Don’t talk bad about him to others
We get it; when you’re in the middle of an argument with your boyfriend, it’s so tempting to air out your frustrations, and his dirty laundry, to your friends.
But imagine how he would feel if he heard you say all these horrible things about him to other people. Imagine how you would feel if it was the other way around.
Being a good girlfriend is about being respectful to your boyfriend, respectful enough not to share his embarrassing secrets or bad habits with the world.
If you have a genuine problem with his behavior, it’s much better to just have a calm discussion about them with your boyfriend rather than a mean-spirited bitch-fest on a girl’s night out. [Read: Ways to be a better listener in your relationship]
13. Don’t point out his flaws
If you have a tendency to be the devil’s advocate, start being the cheerleader instead. He has enough people in his life telling him what he can’t do, don’t be one of them.
Pointing out his flaws, whether they be physical or otherwise, will only bring out insecurities in him. Be a good girlfriend by uplifting your boyfriend at any given opportunity!
14. Go out with your friends
They say that distance makes the heart grows fonder. They also say that hanging out with your friends is damn fun!
It may sound contradictory, but a good girlfriend actually knows when to spend time away from her boyfriend.
You can’t be together 24/7, and you shouldn’t neglect all the other areas of your life when you enter a relationship. So go to the gym, meet up with friends, visit family members, and enjoy your time apart.
Not only will you foster a healthy relationship, but you’ll also have more stories to tell each other when you reunite!
15. Smile
Your man will feel good if he knows how good he makes you feel. So, whenever he makes you feel happy or loved, don’t forget to show him with a smile! Smiles are contagious, so your happiness will make him happy too. [Read: 17 life secrets to smile more often, feel great, and laugh your stress away]
16. Compliment him often
Girls are not the only ones who like compliments. Guys need them too! So, compliment your guy to keep him happy.
Men are more insecure than their girlfriends often realize. So, making sure he knows you think he’s sexy or the kindest person you know is key to making him want to stay. Point out all the things that you love about him – on a regular basis. [Read: 30 unique compliments for guys they’ll never forget]
17. Listen to him
It can be really easy to slip into a routine of, “Hey honey, how was your day?” only to ignore everything he says thereafter because it’s more of a habit than you actually caring about how his day went.
But if you find yourself doing this, snap out of it and listen to his problems and triumphs at work. He’ll realize the difference and appreciate you for being the best girlfriend.
18. Appreciate what he does for you
Your boyfriend doesn’t clean the kitchen or buy you flowers for no reason. Don’t just take those as everyday things he’s doing. [Read: 25 ways to say “I appreciate you” without words]
Appreciate what he does for you and make sure he knows how much they mean to you.
This is really key to having a happy relationship. People take each other for granted way too often, so make sure you keep telling him how much you appreciate him in your life.
19. Be your own person
If you really want to be the best girlfriend, then just have your own life. Don’t be one of those girlfriends who have to be attached to their boyfriend at the hip. [Read: How to be a strong, independent woman that men love]
Do your own thing and have your own friends and hobbies. This makes you an incredible girlfriend, and it’ll give him the opportunity to miss you. Remember what we said about distance and the heart?
20. Don’t constantly ask where he’s been or what he’s doing
AKA: let him be his own person. Don’t continuously track his every move.
It makes you look like an annoying girlfriend, and it makes your man want to flee your relationship. He’ll update you on his whereabouts because he wants to, and he’ll appreciate you for not asking. [Read: 21 clingy girlfriend signs and how to avoid turning into one]
21. Tell him you love him
If you want to be the best girlfriend ever, tell him you love him without expecting to hear it in return. Say it just so he knows.
22. Tell him what you love about him
Point out all the things you love about the man in your life. When he feels good about himself, he feels good about the woman in his life. [Read: Different ways of saying I love you without saying a word]
23. Attend to his needs without being needy
If you know he has specific needs, try to fulfill them when you can without expecting favors in return. If you aren’t in the mood, satisfy his sexual needs in another way. Be the giver once in a while, not wanting anything back.
24. Don’t bring up his past mistakes if you told him you forgive him
It’s normal for two people to fight when they are in a romantic relationship. And he’s probably done a lot of things in the past that have upset you, but you have forgiven him.
So, if you say something is forgiven, then it must be forgiven. [Read: How to forgive and forget – 24 thoughts to decide on the right step]
It’s counterproductive to keep bringing up the past and throwing it in his face. If you haven’t forgiven him, then don’t say that you have. And if you have, then leave it alone.
25. Have a sense of humor with him
Don’t take everything he says to or about you so seriously. Have a sense of humor and laugh off the silly things. He’ll enjoy himself more with you.
Laughter is so important in life – and in relationships. Find anything and everything to laugh about with him. You want to be happy around him. [Read: Types of humor and how it affects relationships]
If you come across as a Debbie Downer or an energy vampire, then he won’t enjoy your company. He wants you to be a positive influence in his life.
26. Smell amazing
No man wants to run around with a girlfriend who has bad hygiene. Shower regularly, wear his favorite perfume when you can, and he’ll be happy to grab you in his arms.
You can even put candles around his place *or yours* so that they are some wonderful scents when you two are together. Good smells can really make someone horny, too… so that’s a plus, right? [Read: How to pick the perfect perfume and smell great!]
27. Look great in front of his friends
Men take pride in their girlfriends. If you look smokin’ hot in front of his friends, he’ll hear about it and take it as a direct compliment. He’ll definitely want to keep you around if his friends are jealous of him.
Let’s face it – guys still kind of want to be the “leader of the pack.” They want to be someone that their friends admire.
So, when you look good in front of them, he will be very proud of you. [Read: Surefire signs your boyfriend thinks you’re smoking hot already!]
28. Embrace silences
We get it, some people are naturally just more chatty than others. If this is you, and your boyfriend knows this, then surely it’s something that he loves about you and not something you should change.
However, if you talk your way through silences because you find them awkward and uncomfortable, try letting the silence be.
Maybe it’s not an uncomfortable silence at all, and you just can’t handle the quiet. But it’s okay; a gap in the conversation isn’t always a bad thing. In fact, it can be quite nice, and relaxing even, to just sit in silence.
If you never give your man a moment of peace, he might soon think of you as a bad girlfriend. So let the conversation flow. If you find yourself in natural silence, let it be.
29. Don’t treat him like one of your girlfriends
We’re sure everyone gossips with their partner’s from time to time. And yes, partners – guys gossip too! But there is a line between sharing a funny story that happened to someone at work and treating your boyfriend like he’s just a friend.
If you find that you’re talking to your boyfriend like he’s one of your girlfriends more often than not, then it might be time to cut back.
It goes without saying that your boyfriend is more than just a friend! If you just talk to him like he’s your buddy, you’re not being a good girlfriend. [Read: How to be a better girlfriend: 30 relationship-changers]
30. Don’t be his mother
He knows when his behaviors aren’t appropriate or good. You can remind him of your boundaries, but if you feel like you have to teach him moral or life lessons, hold off.
He’s not a child that needs teaching. And if he’s acting like one, don’t feel like it’s your job to correct it!
Also, don’t pick up after him, wash his dishes, or do his laundry just because. If you keep up with the motherly roles, soon he’ll come up to you asking you to sign a permission slip for a school trip – you don’t want that! [Read: What does it mean when a guy has mommy issues?]
31. Impress his family
Now, this is important, especially if you both are in a serious relationship. If you want to know how to be a good girlfriend, this is a great move to start with. [Read: How to get along with your man’s family and create a lifelong bond]
Your boyfriend may be smitten by you, but he’s got significant “baggage” that needs some impressing too.
Every time you’re with his family, try to participate in the conversations and be cheerful around them. [Read: The easiest and courteous ways to charm your boyfriend’s parents and family]
32. Make an effort to involve yourself in his hobbies—but not too much
Being a good girlfriend means you involve yourself in his hobbies so you can truly understand him. See his favorite band with him or join him on game day. Basically, just be there.
But you don’t want to be so involved that you smother him. You want to give him the space to be his own person and do his own thing.
So, show an interest in his hobbies, but don’t be attached at the hip wanting to do everything with him.
33. Be active
Cuddling on the sofa and watching Netflix is sure as hell fun. But let’s be honest, no one wants to date someone who is glued to the sofa. Even if you’re both self-proclaimed couch potatoes, it’s nice to go out sometimes.
So every now and then, put down the remote and go for a walk. It doesn’t just have to be about stretching your legs, you can go for a romantic walk on the beach or see some beautiful natural sights together. [Read: 12 benefits of exercise on your mind, body, and libido]
Being active and adventurous in a relationship is exciting and intoxicating, and your man will for sure be intoxicated on you if you encourage him to go on incredible adventures with you.
34. Surprise him often
Show up to his work with a hot lunch, grab an awesome t-shirt you think he’d like, and just do anything to surprise him.
Bonus points for getting some sexy lingerie and surprising him the second he comes home. [Read: 31 cute, flirty, and sexy ways to surprise your boyfriend]
35. Communicate with him—don’t yell
A good relationship is built on honest but gentle communication. So, to be a good girlfriend, tell your boyfriend your problems or your feelings in a way that is clear to understand and also sympathetic to his perspective.
A good boyfriend should also do the same, so don’t take on the responsibility of being the only mature one.
Arguments and misunderstandings happen in relationships all the time. But full-blown fights are easy to avoid if you know how to be a good communicator *and, thus, a good girlfriend*.
36. Don’t state the obvious
When he messes up won’t be there to rub it in. If something is obvious, let it speak for itself. Even if you feel the need to be right, bask in the glory silently.
There’s no need to point out you were right and make him feel silly. It’s belittling and condescending and not something a loving partner would ever do.
37. Don’t be overly critical
You may think you provide him constructive criticism to help, but he just hears it as criticism. Stop analyzing him and what he does.
Just let him be him without always trying to change him. If he wants help, he’ll ask for it. [Read: How to be less critical – 15 reasons why you judge and how to stop it]
38. Tell him how he makes you happy
Describe to him all the things he does that make you happy. Don’t let him forget why you’re with him and how much you like him making you happy.
Men love hearing how happy they make their loved ones. [Read: 25 easy ways you can make your boyfriend incredibly happy every day]
39. Show empathy
When you are self-centered and only see situations from your point of view, then he will resent that. So, make every effort to see his point of view.
Try “walking in his shoes” so that you can convey that you really understand him.
40. Don’t be a drama queen
Take a look at the conversations you have throughout any given day. Do you find that most of them are about you complaining about anything and everything? Being around someone who just complains 24/7 is draining, especially when you’re dating that person!
So, while it’s fine to vent when you’re frustrated, don’t call him up every day to complain about every little thing that happened to you. He’ll get tired of your negativity quicker than you think. [Read: Drama diva – All the signs of a drama queen]
41. Don’t be jealous
Forget what you know about jealousy being attractive because it’s not. So, don’t ask him about other girls. Don’t drill him on if he still thinks you’re pretty.
Being around someone who is jealous all the time is very draining. He doesn’t always want to be propping up your self-esteem. [Read: 20 sexy things guys like in bed but won’t ask for and why they don’t]
42. Do things that make him proud
Being a good girlfriend isn’t about being dependent on your boyfriend. It’s not about clinging to him and being nothing without him. Everyone has a life outside of their relationship, so make the most out of yours!
If you want to go to school and get your degree, do it. If you want to make a name for yourself within your industry, excel in your job, and climb the corporate ladder.
If you have dreams and goals outside of your relationship, work towards achieving them. [Read: What should I do with my life? 16 steps to design your perfect life]
Your boyfriend won’t feel left out because you’re doing something without him. In fact, he’ll be so proud of your hard work and dedication.
43. Be his best friend
Believe it or not, he wants you to be his best friend. After all, isn’t that one of the best parts of being in a romantic relationship?
Being friends and lovers is the best. So, be that person that he can tell anything. Be the kind of person who he can’t live without. [Read: Should you marry your best friend? 22 signs and reasons it’s a big YES!]
44. Love him
It’s just that simple. Being the best girlfriend really boils down to loving him and loving him well. He should never go a day without feeling your love.
45. Like his friends
We mentioned before that you should be nice to his friends, and although that is good, you’ll really be taking that extra step if you get along with his friends!
A good girlfriend will kind of just blend in with the group. After all, you all share one thing in common, and that’s him. [Read: How to accept your boyfriend’s friends and get them to accept you]
Remember, his friends were there long before you came into the picture, so you should respect that.
They may be foolish and childish at times, but they are his friends. You wouldn’t want him to come between you and your girlfriends, right?
Plus, their seal of approval is a great pat on the back to your man, and he’ll be proud to have you as his girl. [Read: How to read the signs your boyfriend’s friends don’t like you much]
46. Let him win once in a while
Let him win the battle occasionally. Sometimes it is more important to be loved than it is to be right.
47. Don’t overspend
If you share finances, don’t spend the majority. A good girlfriend doesn’t put unnecessary financial stress on her boyfriend. [Read: Don’t stay stuck: 16 strategies to get your shit together]
48. Know what his favorite things are
Pay attention to what makes him happy instead of assuming that you know. You may be surprised to find that, what you thought turned him on, doesn’t.
Knowing what your boyfriend likes will also help you to impress him on birthdays and other gift-giving holidays. [Read: Ideas to make cooking with your partner more fun]
49. Listen to what he is telling you in his actions, not his words
Men are not verbal creatures. Pay attention to his behaviors and listen to what they say instead of trying to have him connect on your terms only.
50. Try not to say “nothing” when he asks what is wrong
Don’t be passive-aggressive. If she has something she is upset about, a good girlfriend just lays it out there.
51. Don’t give him a reason to be jealous
It goes without saying, but a good girlfriend is a faithful one. It doesn’t matter if you’re the hottest, most beautiful woman in the room and all the guys are drooling over you. [Read: How to deal with jealousy in a relationship]
Let your man know that he’s the only guy for you and that he has your full attention. Never flirt around with other guys. And let him know that he can trust you. He will be loyal to you, too.
52. Earn his respect
Women want to be treated with respect, just as men want to be respected too. A good girlfriend doesn’t just demand respect from her guy, she earns it.
When you believe in yourself and your capabilities and have a strong and determined personality, it’ll make your boyfriend respect you for the person you are. [Read: 25 awesome secrets to keep your guy hooked and happy in love]
Learn to show off your capabilities and awe him, and he’ll begin to listen to you and respect your opinion, not because you’re his girlfriend but because you’re such a wonderful person.
53. Dress like a million bucks
For a guy, there’s nothing sexier than a girl who can illuminate a room when she steps in. Be that girl. When the whole room stops and stares at you, it’ll fill your boyfriend’s *shallow* heart with happiness and pride.
Dress like a million bucks when you go out with him, and if his jaw drops at first sight and he can’t stop glancing sideways at you when you walk with him, you know you’ve worked your magic! [Read: How any girl can learn to be sexy, look sexy, and feel sexy without ever trying too hard]
54. Trust him
Give him enough space, so he feels that you trust him. Always questioning him about his whereabouts will only make him feel caged, and you will only look possessive. [Read: How to trust your boyfriend: 12 questions to help you decide]
A good girlfriend trusts her man but knows how to set boundaries when that trust is broken. [Read: How to get over trust issues in a relationship]
55. Let him go out with the guys without reprise
If you say “go ahead” to vacation or s guy’s night, don’t make him pay afterward in a passive-aggressive way. Ahem, we all know what we’re talking about.
56. Build up your pleasing personality
Everyone is drawn to a pleasing personality. Negativity just repels people, regardless of how they are related to you. [Read: How to be a better listener in your relationship]
The best girlfriends are the ones who have a pleasing personality that makes them easy and comfortable to be around. He’ll want to spend more time with you, and he’ll want to please you, too.
57. Pick your battles
Don’t sweat the small stuff. It’s not worth ruining a good day with your man, or even ruining your relationship, over something trivial. Learn when something truly is worth fighting over, but also learn when to leave things as they are.
58. Want him in a non-needy way
Every guy dreams of getting a girl who’s independent yet dependent. It doesn’t make sense but bare with us. [Read: How to stop being needy – why people get clingy and 32 ways to fix it]
Some girls are rather clingy and need a boyfriend’s help with everything. On the other hand, there are a few other girls who are way too independent. Guys love the middle path.
Every guy likes to be there for his girlfriend in her time of need. It may be his protective instinct, or he may just want to impress you or please you.
If you don’t really need him to help you, but you still want him around when you’re doing something because you love his company, any guy would love you for that. [Read: Very annoying girlfriend habits that almost all guys hate]
Guys may appreciate an overly dependent girl or even a completely independent girl who doesn’t want her guy to be involved in her personal life at the beginning. [Read: How to be independent even if you’re in a relationship]
But as the relationship grows, he’d fall more in love with a girl who doesn’t need him but wants him in her life.
59. Show off your naughty side!
You two may have a great sex life, but what about everywhere else? You can be coy in bed for most of the time, but every now and then, reveal your naughty side to him. [Read: Why is sex so important in a relationship?]
A good girlfriend knows how to play coy, but every now and then, she shows him a few sexy moves that can pleasantly surprise him. [Read: Foreplay moves that work exceptionally well for men]
60. Don’t make him a to-do list
Split your chores, but don’t micromanage everything he does. He already has a boss, you needn’t be another one. [Read: Signs the honeymoon stage of your relationship is over]
61. Don’t make assumptions
Instead of accusing him of things, always give him the benefit of the doubt. Verify before you assume things.
62. Don’t set him up on play dates
He is a grown man. You don’t have to set him up with your friend’s boyfriend. If he wants to come along, fine, but don’t act like you made a play date for him. [Read: Are you being taken for granted? 16 discreet signs to watch out for]
63. Be great in bed
Okay, so we’re not saying that you have to be a porn star. But sex can be an important part of any relationship, so make sure he feels that you’re enjoying it just as much as he is.
And if you’re not, speak up! Communicating with him, as well as listening and being open to his needs, is key to having great sexual chemistry. [Read: How to create sexual chemistry and make it stay]
64. Be intelligent and witty
A good girlfriend is aware of the world around her.
You don’t need to be a rocket scientist, but if you can be witty and fun and mix it up with intelligence when you’re having a conversation with him, there’s no way he would ever let someone like you slip away from him.
And remember, an intelligent person isn’t always a walking-talking-Google. It could even be a person who knows a few things but knows them well. [Read: How to be funny around guys and make them crave your company daily]
65. Make him feel special
Make him feel special and loved. From something as simple as a massage at the end of a long work day to spending uninterrupted weekends with him, remember to go that extra mile.
Show him how much you love him and how much he means to you. [Read: 15 sweet ways to make a guy feel needed and wanted]
66. Let him be the man in the relationship
Men like to feel in control—it’s innate in their nature. They often want to feel in charge, so let him fill that role.
Let him feel that he can take the lead by asking for his opinion about certain things in your relationship and being open to his suggestions.
Also, let him take care of you, even if it just means letting him open the door for you, guide you to your seat, and pick up the tab. [Read: 15 subtle signs of a controlling boyfriend you need to watch out for]
67. Never say things that you can’t take back
If you say it, you can’t take it back. Being the best girlfriend means never saying things that will sit in his mind and stew that you wish you hadn’t.
68. Look after yourself and your guy
Do you take care of yourself, physically and otherwise? Fill your life with happiness and have a positive outlook towards life. Work out, look good, and feel good about yourself. And help your boyfriend look good and feel good too.
When both of you are cheerful and happy with yourselves and with each other, both of you will feel radiant and full of positivity, which can have a positive impact on your lives. [Read: Real relationship goals most couples have no idea about]
69. Encourage him to become better
A good girlfriend doesn’t just teach her man how to be romantic or chivalrous. She knows her boyfriend inside out and helps him fix his flaws and improves his perfections.
Do you motivate your man to achieve his dreams? Do you talk about his future and his potential? One of the better traits of a good girlfriend is her interest and ability to subtly guide her man to become the best he can ever be.
70. You can be a guy when you have to
A guy wants his girlfriend to be sweet and caring. [Read: 19 minxy ways to be irresistible to men and hook a guy you like effortlessly]
But every now and then, especially when there’s a game on or when he’s spending some guy time with the boys, he would absolutely love it if you could chug a pitcher of beer or chew gum like a man!
If you want to know how to be a good girlfriend, learn to hang out with him and his friends and have a good time in the boys’ club now and then.
71. Fight fair
Don’t play games. When you argue, argue fair without bringing in other people or events from the past. [Read: All is fair in love and war: But why start a war in love]
72. Be his biggest fan
Be your boyfriend’s shoulder to lean on and be the loudest voice in the room when you’re cheering him on. It may be as big as trying to start his own venture or as simple as getting you breakfast in bed.
Let him know that you’re always going to be his biggest cheerleader all through life. Just as he would and should be for you too. [Read: Want to make it even better? Here are 25 ways to be the best girlfriend you can ever be!]
While relationships should be fun and comfortable and not an endless struggle or competition, it pays to put your best foot forward. After all, if you care enough about your man, you naturally want to be the best girlfriend for him.
We all have room for improvement, and by following these tips on how to be a good girlfriend to your guy, you can be sure he’ll thank his lucky stars for finding a girl who’s as awesome as you are. [Read: 20 signs of a bad girlfriend guys always keep an eye on]
73. Let him make his own decisions
If he makes a decision, stand behind it. Unless you have something to lose in the deal, just keep your mouth shut and support his decision, especially if it has already been made.
74. Send him nice messages
A quick message telling him how great he is and how much you love him brightens up his day. Just make sure that it is short and sweet.
75. Accept him for who he is
Stop trying to change him. Just let him be him, and you be you.
Signs you are a good girlfriend already!
Now that you know how to be a good girlfriend, how do you know that you are actually succeeding? Well, here are the signs that you are.
1. You care about how he feels
When you’re in a romantic relationship, both people should care about the other person’s feelings. Having empathy for one another is the cornerstone of a good relationship. [Read: How to show empathy and learn to understand someone else’s feelings]
This means that you can’t be selfish and only think about how you feel. He matters too, and you know that. So, if you care how he is feeling at all times, then you are a good girlfriend.
2. You understand his silence
Sometimes guys like to zone out and not talk. And that’s okay. They may be doing it for a reason, such as because he’s stressed, tired, or even angry. But you understand his need to be quiet for a while and let him be.
You also don’t get hurt or offended if he is like this. Instead, you know he is like that, and you accept it. You don’t badger him trying to get him to talk. [Read: Easy ways to avoid awkward silences during a date]
3. You make him want to be a better person
Sometimes guys need an outside motivator in order to better themselves. Some people just don’t have the ability to do it on their own.
So, if you notice that he is hitting the gym to take care of his body or trying to get a promotion or a better job, then he’s probably doing it for you. Most likely, you are a good role model, and he wants to make you happy.
4. You know how to calm him down
Maybe he has a temper and can’t control himself sometimes. It could be that he’s stressed out at work or even if he’s mad at you. [Read: How to calm down when you’re angry and regain your composure quickly]
But you don’t play into his emotions in a negative way. Instead, you know how to calm him down and get him to think and talk rationally and not blow things out of proportion.
5. You are strong enough to protect him
Sure, we always think of men as being the woman’s “protector.” But women can play that role sometimes too. You don’t always have to be the submissive partner.
So, if you are strong and can protect him from things he needs to be protected from, then you are being a good girlfriend. Guys like strong women too. [Read: Female-led relationships – how it works, and 21 pros when ladies lead love]
6. You know your worth
If you aren’t self-confident, a guy might walk all over you because he doesn’t respect you. And of course, you don’t want that!
Instead, you know your worth, and you don’t accept bad behavior from your boyfriend. You call him out when you need to so that he treats you with respect at all times.
7. You believe in his potential
This is a tricky one. Some girls only fall in love with a guy’s potential because they want to change him. And when they don’t change, they get angry about it. [Read: Lazy boyfriend – 20 signs, why guys get lazy in love, and how to help him change]
But if you see that your boyfriend is talented and has a lot to offer in the world, you believe in his potential. For example, if he wants to go back to school, get a promotion, or start a business, you are his biggest cheerleader.
8. You have a deep respect for his passion
Most guys have some sort of passion in life. It could be classic cars or playing basketball. Whatever it is, you respect that he loves to do it.
Not only do you respect it, but you also encourage him to follow his passions as well. He never feels like you are holding him back from doing what he loves. [Read: Boyfriend material – a girl’s guide to evaluating guys and 42 things he MUST do]
9. You care for the people he loves
Okay, you might not like all of his friends or family members. It’s not uncommon if you don’t click with everyone in his life.
But you do care for them. You are nice and kind to everyone he loves. And you never give him a reason to be upset that you don’t get along with them – because you do.
10. You can be strong and independent
Guys don’t like clingy girlfriends. Most of them like their own personal space once in a while. And that’s actually quite healthy. [Read: Am I clingy? 23 signs of a stage 5 clinger and how to stop being one]
You have your own friends, hobbies, and other things you like to do on your own. So, if you are strong and independent and do your own thing outside of the relationship, then you are being a good girlfriend.
11. You have your own personal goals
Some guys like to be the breadwinner, but that doesn’t mean that they like a girlfriend who is a gold digger or a mooch. They don’t want their girlfriends to be completely dependent on them.
So, if you have your own personal and professional goals, he will respect you for them. And that is a big contributing factor to being a good girlfriend. [Read: 28 self-improvement secrets to improve yourself and transform into your best self]
12. You always choose him
Always choosing him means that he is on top of your priority list. And that makes him feel loved, special, and important.
So, if you prioritize him over your friends or your career, then you are a good girlfriend. You have your priorities in line, and hopefully, he does too.
[Read: 17 easy ways to be a really good girlfriend to your boyfriend]
Being a good girlfriend is not rocket science, ladies. Following these guidelines on how to be the best girlfriend will definitely show you the way and leave your man addicted to you!
