Women value emotional support more than anything. A shoulder to cry on, a listening ear, and a warm hug are enough to make everything feel better during tough times. As a woman, you want to be heard. You want to be understood. But how do you get your boyfriend to do that?
One of the many advantages of being in a relationship is having someone to lean on in times of struggle. But you have to know that your partner is not a mind reader. He will not automatically know that you are going through something, unless you tell him.
Let him know what's going on
Your boyfriend won't be able to help you if he doesn't know what you are going through. So, sit down with him and tell him about what's been going on with you. You'll feel better once you tell someone about it.
Don't keep him guessing otherwise you'll end up feeling resentful because he's not doing anything to support you, even if he is not aware of your situation. So, instead of turning it into a guessing game and a heated debate, just talk to him and tell him the truth.
Explain how the situation is affecting you emotionally
He may not be able to grasp how your situation is really affecting you because he's not the one going through it. Explain to him the impact it has brought into your life. Tell him how the situation is draining you emotionally. This will help him understand you and figure out how he can support you. He'll be able to help you come up with solutions to help fix your problem, or know what to do in order to make you feel better.
Tell him what you need from him
Not everyone will know what to do right away when faced with a problem. So, if there is a specific kind of support that you need from him, let him know. While women value emotional support, men value practical support more. They find solutions.
Whether it's spending more time together, or having him talk to you until the wee hours of the morning, just tell him. Be specific and ask him nicely. Be direct, but don't demand.
You can start your request with "Please," "Would you," or "Is it okay if..." It's the best way you can get the kind of support you want him to give you. It's not being needy. It's being honest about your needs.
Be grateful for his support
Sometimes, people tend to take for granted the support that they get. You don't want to make your boyfriend feel like this. When he is being supportive, be sure to let him know that you appreciate what he's doing. It will make him very happy when he knows that you acknowledge his efforts.
Return the favor
If you want your boyfriend to always be there for you in times of struggle, you must also be willing to be there for him when he's the one who needs your support. Relationships work through give and take.
Appreciate his efforts for being a reliable shoulder you can lean on, and do your best to return the favor. He'll be more receptive to your needs if he knows that you are giving as much effort as he is in your relationship.
When you're having problems in certain areas in your life, you want your boyfriend to be there for you, but he may not be able to realize the gravity of the problem at hand all the time. So, if you need him to give you more support, all you need to do is be honest and ask for it.
What else can a girl do to get the support she needs from her boyfriend? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
