1.  Make a commitment to truly listen to your partner

    Responsive listening requires you to be actively interested in and participating in the conversation. You can do this by taking time to ask questions, so you can truly understand your partner's perspective.

2. Respect your partner's point of view.

It is important to respect your partner's point of view instead of making judgments based upon your own perspective

For example, if your partner shares with you that she is interested in a career change, eliminate your judgments and try to truly understand where she is coming from with this desire. 

3. Be empathetic

   It requires you to put yourself in your partner's shoes.

For instance, if you are annoyed that they are venting to you about a bad day, think about how you might feel if you had a bad day and wanted to talk to someone about it. 

4. Don't always make your partner ask for your help or support

   Sometimes, it can be difficult to ask for help, or your partner may feel guilty, placing a burden upon you.

If you notice your partner is going through a challenging situation, anticipate what they might need from you, and provide it without their asking. 

5. Truly encourage your partner and be their biggest supporter

  When your partner accomplishes something or is facing a challenge, be sure to let them know you are rooting for them.

Something as simple as saying, "I am so proud of you," or, "I know you can handle this" will go a long way.

6. Give your partner some time to cool off or relax by themselves

   If your partner seems stressed, grumpy, or simply not in the mood to talk, recognize this fact and give him or her a few minutes of alone time to unwind, without taking it personally.

7. Try to be an understanding partner

   Understand that your partner can still respect you, even when they have to prioritize something else from time to time.

8. Ask your partner about how their day went

    Make an effort to always ask your partner how their day was, and remember the details.

It is easy to ask your partner about their day and then tune them out, so you forget important details later. This may make them feel a lack of support. 

9. Apologize when you're wrong

Part of being supportive in a relationship is being able to, such as when you fail to do something you promise you would do or when you wrongfully accuse your partner of something they didn't do.

10. Be a patient listener

   Do not become angry or complain when your partner shares with you a stressful situation or challenge they are facing. They should feel at ease approaching you when they need to vent or seek support for a challenge in their lives.

11.  Appreciate your partner

Take time to praise your partner for their accomplishments, and remind them that you appreciate the things they do for you.

12. Let your partner do things their own way 

They may occasionally do something differently than you would, but chastising them for it shows a lack of support.

So, instead of criticizing them for doing something incorrectly, accept their way of doing things

13. Avoid talking your partner out of their feelings

You may be uncomfortable with your significant other's unpleasant emotions, but telling them, "Don't be upset," can make them feel unsupported.

Instead, validate their feelings and let them have a conversation about their emotions