When a guy yells, he’s upset; when he shuts down, he’s frustrated.
While these are simple cues, understanding a strong, dependable man in a relationship can be more complex.
There are, however, 8 clear things such men will never do.
Let’s explore these key behaviors.
1) Ignoring their partner’s feelings
In a relationship, feelings are like a roller coaster ride.
They can take you high up into the clouds, then plunge you down into the depths without any warning. And just like roller coasters, there’s not much you can do to control them. You just have to hold on tight and ride it out.
But strong, dependable men? They don’t just hold on tight. They’re there beside you, experiencing every twist and turn with you.
They’re attuned to your emotions, understanding when they shift from joy to sadness, from calm to frustration. They don’t just stand by when they see that something’s off.
They step in, they ask questions, they try to understand what’s going on underneath the surface.
Ignoring their partner’s feelings? That’s not something a strong, dependable man would ever do in a relationship.
2) Avoiding difficult conversations
I remember in my last relationship, there was a time when things got really tough.
Money was tight, stress levels were high, and we found ourselves arguing more than we were talking. It was a dark time, but it was also a crucial turning point in our relationship.
A lot of men might choose to avoid the uncomfortable conversations that needed to happen.
They might choose to bottle up their feelings and pretend like everything’s fine.
But that’s not what I did.
And that’s not what any strong, dependable man would do.
I chose to face the problem head-on. We sat down and talked about everything – our worries, our fears, our hopes for the future. It wasn’t easy, and there were tears involved, but it was necessary.
3) Breaking their promises
Promises in a relationship are like the invisible glue that holds everything together.
Did you know that, according to a study published in the National Institutes of Health, couples who keep their promises are more likely to have longer-lasting relationships?
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The moment they’re broken, trust begins to crumble, and the relationship starts to fall apart. It’s a domino effect that can lead to the end of something beautiful.
Strong, dependable men understand the gravity of this. They know the weight that every promise carries, and they never make one lightly.
4) Ignoring their own needs
In a relationship, it’s easy to get caught up in caring for your partner. Their wants, their needs, their happiness – it all becomes a top priority.
But what about your own needs?
Strong, dependable men understand that they can’t pour from an empty cup. They know the importance of self-care and looking after their own mental and physical health.
They understand that to be the best partner they can be, they first need to be the best version of themselves.
5) Using silence as a weapon
We’ve all been there. In the middle of a heated argument, the other person suddenly goes quiet. It’s like hitting a wall.
I’ve experienced this too, and let me tell you, it’s frustrating.
Silence can be a powerful weapon, but it’s not one that strong, dependable men use in a relationship.
I believe in communication. When things get tough, I don’t retreat into silence. I voice my thoughts, my feelings, my concerns. I open up a dialogue because that’s how problems get solved.
6) Being afraid of vulnerability
In our society, men are often taught to be tough, to hide their feelings, to never show weakness. But in a relationship, this kind of mindset can be more harmful than beneficial.
Strong, dependable men understand this. They aren’t afraid to open up, to show their softer side, to be vulnerable.
Showing vulnerability isn’t a sign of weakness. On the contrary, it’s a sign of strength. It takes courage to let someone else see you at your most raw and authentic.
7) Forgetting to appreciate their partner
In the hustle and bustle of life, it’s easy to take things for granted. Especially the people we love the most.
But strong, dependable men make a conscious effort to not let that happen. They understand the value of appreciation in a relationship.
They’re not just there for the grand gestures on birthdays and anniversaries, but also for the everyday moments.
A simple thank you for a cooked meal, a compliment out of the blue, a hug after a long day – these might seem like little things, but they make a big difference.
8) Abusing their partner’s trust
Trust is the cornerstone of any relationship.
Without it, everything else crumbles. Strong, dependable men recognize this fundamental truth. They cherish the trust their partner places in them and strive to uphold it at all costs.
Abusing their partner’s trust? That’s an unthinkable act for a strong, dependable man in a relationship.
Final reflections
In exploring strong, dependable men in relationships, remember these traits are about understanding, growth, and genuine love, not perfection.
It’s not about never making mistakes, but about learning from them, apologizing when needed, and striving to improve.
As words of Martin Luther King, Jr. goes, “The measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”
If you’re a man, reflect on whether you meet these standards and consider how to improve.
If you’re in a relationship, assess if your partner embodies these traits and discuss any concerns.
Ultimately, it’s about building a relationship based on respect, understanding, and mutual growth—something we all strive for!