Being truly confident in a relationship isn’t about being right all the time or always having the upper hand. It’s about establishing a solid foundation of trust, respect, and understanding.

In a relationship, confident people don’t resort to harmful behaviors or tactics. They recognize that their actions directly impact the health and strength of their partnership.

So, what are the things that confident people avoid in relationships?

Here are 8 key things they steer clear of.

1) They never rely on their partner for self-esteem

A truly confident person knows that their self-worth isn’t tied to another person’s approval or validation.

Confidence, at its core, comes from within. It’s not about whether your partner thinks you’re attractive, successful, or smart. It’s about knowing and valuing yourself for who you are.

Confident people don’t let their partner’s opinion of them dictate their self-esteem. They know their worth and they don’t need anyone else to confirm it for them.

If you find yourself constantly seeking approval or validation from your partner, it might be time to take a step back and reevaluate your relationship with yourself.

2) They never dismiss their partner’s feelings

Listening is a critical part of any relationship.

Truly confident people understand the importance of taking their partner’s feelings into account.

I remember a time in my own relationship when my partner expressed feeling overwhelmed with work. Instead of dismissing these feelings or trying to quickly fix the problem, I recognized the importance of simply being there to listen and empathize.

I didn’t try to downplay her feelings or suggest that she was overreacting. I simply acknowledged what she was going through and offered my support.

Confident people know that respecting their partner’s feelings is crucial for maintaining a healthy and balanced relationship.

It’s not about always having the answers, but about being there and showing understanding and empathy.

3) They never avoid communication

Communication is the lifeblood of any relationship. When things get tough, confident people don’t shy away from difficult conversations.

Did you know that according to a study, one of the most common factors in long-lasting marriages is effective communication?

Confident people understand this and always strive for open, honest, and effective communication. They understand that avoiding communication or sweeping difficult subjects under the rug only leads to bigger issues down the line.

A two-way street of understanding and empathy goes a long way in building a strong relationship.

4) They never lose their individuality

In a relationship, it’s easy to get caught up in the “we” and forget about the “I”. But confident people never lose sight of their own identity within a relationship.

They know that maintaining their individuality is crucial for a healthy partnership. They continue to pursue their personal interests, maintain their friendships, and set aside time for themselves.

While it’s important to share common interests and experiences with your partner, it’s equally critical to maintain your own sense of self.

This balance fosters mutual respect and understanding, and allows both partners to grow as individuals within the relationship.

5) They never take their partner for granted

In the daily hustle and bustle of life, it’s easy to forget to appreciate the person by your side.

But confident people never take their partner for granted.

They understand the value of expressing gratitude and appreciation. They don’t wait for special occasions to show their love; they make their partner feel valued and cherished every day.

This includes small gestures like a warm hug, a loving text message, or simply saying “I love you”. These seemingly little things can make a world of a difference in a relationship.

After all, love is more than just about grand gestures and big moments. It’s also about the small, everyday acts of kindness that show your partner how much they mean to you.

6) They never compare their relationship to others

Comparison is the thief of joy, especially when it comes to relationships.

Confident people understand that each relationship is unique, with its own set of challenges and triumphs.

I learned this the hard way early in my relationship. I found myself constantly comparing our relationship to those of my friends.

However, I quickly realized that comparing only led to dissatisfaction and unnecessary tension. It took away from the joy and love that was unique to us. Once I stopped comparing, our relationship felt more genuine, secure, and fulfilling.

Remember, what works for one couple may not work for another. It’s about finding your own rhythm and understanding what makes your relationship special.

7) They never hold onto past mistakes

Everyone makes mistakes, but confident people don’t let these mistakes define their relationship. They understand that holding onto past mistakes only breeds resentment and hinders growth.

Instead, they choose to forgive, learn, and move forward. They take each mistake as an opportunity to grow and strengthen their relationship, rather than a setback.

Confident people don’t allow past mistakes to cloud their present or future. They focus on building a stronger bond and a better understanding with their partner.

Holding onto past mistakes simply weighs you down. Letting go allows you to move forward with strength and confidence.

8) They never stop investing in the relationship

Relationships require effort and commitment.

Confident people understand this and continuously invest their time and energy into nurturing their relationship.

They prioritize spending quality time together, maintaining open lines of communication, and showing love and appreciation.

A strong, healthy relationship doesn’t just happen; it’s built over time through mutual respect and consistent effort.

Relationships are about growth

When we peel back the layers of human behavior in relationships, it often circles back to one key element: personal growth.

Confidence isn’t just about knowing your worth or asserting your independence. It’s also about recognizing your flaws and continually striving to become a better version of yourself.

Psychologist Carl Rogers once said, “The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.” This statement rings particularly true in the realm of relationships.

Confident people never stop growing, learning, and evolving.

They understand that a relationship is a mirror that reflects their strengths and weaknesses. It’s an opportunity to face their vulnerabilities, work through their insecurities, and evolve into a better partner and a better person.

Whether it’s engaging in open communication, respecting their partner’s feelings, or not taking their loved ones for granted, every action is an opportunity for growth.

Because at the end of the day, we are all works in progress.