Would you like to change your partner (and who among us wouldn’t want to change something ) but you don’t know how to go about it?
Here’s our take on it…
There’s always something you’d like to change about your relationship or your partner but trying to change someone you love can be a tricky business.
Too often you get really frustrated because you see “potential” and know what you’d like more of–or less of–but when you talk about it, you’re often accused of “nagging” or being controlling.
And often times, you’re afraid to talk about it.
Sometimes your partner responds to your gentle or not-so-gentle requests with disgust, resignation, or anger and you never really feel “heard” or “understood”.
Your partner might even give an almost inaudible grunt or make no sound at all that you take to be agreement when he or she never had any intention in doing what you asked in the first place.
In other words, there’s a sort of “agreement” to keep the peace but with very little, if any, follow through.
Whether it’s about something very small or very, very important, when this happens, it certainly drives a wedge between the two of you. The sad part of it is that resentments can build until it puts your relationship in jeopardy.
Here’s a question from a reader about this topic and our answer…
“I have been dating a man for 8 months who is a 22 year Army Veteran. He was a Master Sergeant and has only been a ‘civilian’ for 2 years now. He is so adapted to Military ways, such as, being away from those he loves/cares about and or is interested in. He lives 2.5 hours away from me and his adaptation is frustrating because it feels to me that it doesn’t matter to him the length of time (2-3 weeks) between seeing him, spending quality time with him. I’m so frustrated. How do I get him to understand that it doesn’t have to be this way?”
Our Answer…
There’s probably not a person alive who hasn’t run into something like this–where you have one idea about how your relationship should be and your partner has another idea.
The truth is that we as humans do exactly what we want when we want.
So even if it’s tempting to “argue with reality,” don’t do it.
This man is living his life the way he wants to live it. He may (or may not) care about this woman a great deal–and she may feel very close to him when they’re together and he may feel close to her.
All of that could be true.
But, at the present time, this seems to be as much intimacy as he’s willing to go for and is comfortable with.
Here are some ideas that we invite this woman and you as well to try out, especially if it’s something very important that keeps coming up between the two of you…
1. Don’t make up stories
This woman has made up a story that it doesn’t matter to him the length of time they are apart. Don’t make up a story–Find out.
2. Invite him to a conversation
Don’t use the old line that can scare your partner to death–“We have to talk!”–especially using a stern tone of voice and piercing eyes. (Yes, most of us are guilty of using “that” tone of voice and “that” look in our eyes from time to time.)
Also choose a time when you’re both feeling emotionally and physically close.
3. Use “magic words” to engage your partner
Say something like this from our “Magic Relationship Words” program…
“Because our relationship is so important to me–and you are so important to me, I’m wondering how you feel about spending more time together.”
Then you’ve got to listen to what he says.
If he says that he likes it the way it is, you’ve got your answer–He likes it “the way it is” and probably won’t change at least anytime soon so don’t excuse his answer away and pretend he means something else.
Really listen to what he says.
If he comes up with another answer and you’d like to know more about what he says, be sure to ask that next question–something like “Tell me more about that.”
Don’t just wonder about it. Ask in an open, curious way.
4. Make a request
If you feel like he’s open to it, you can make a request that can
go something like this…
“I’d love to see you every week. Is this something that you’re interested in too?”
If you phrase it like that and listen to his answer objectively, you’ll be able to gauge his interest and his true commitment.
Remember, he may really care about you or even love you but not want to make changes.
It’s your job to pay attention to whether or not he can be and wants to be the kind of partner that you want.
So our advice…
Be an invitation to find out more about what your partner really wants. See if he or she is open to what you want and then see if you’re a true match for each other.
Don’t make your partner wrong and don’t try to make him or her into something other than who he or she wants to be–it never, ever works!
In summary…
How To Get Your Partner To Change
- Don’t make up stories
- Invite him to a conversation
- Use “magic words” to engage your partner
- Make a request
Susie and Otto Collins are married soul mates and on a mission to share that passion and spark don’t have to die, whether you’ve been together for 5 months or 50 years. As Breakthrough Relationship coaches, authors, and speakers, they are passionate about making this world a more loving place by showing people how to resolve their relationship challenges, love themselves more and love and enjoy each other.
Together, they are the authors of “Magic Relationship Words,” “Stop Talking On Eggshells,” “Should You Stay or Should You Go,” “No More Jealousy,” and many other programs.
Learn more about Susie and Otto and get their free ebook “Relationship Reverse Right Now” at www.SusieandOtto.com.
i think we all want change. change that is going to benefit us, sometimes though we’re not aware of our motives and when it comes to our partners, we tend to get really selfish in wanting them to change for our convenience.
i will try your advice..it will be tough for me but it’s definitely worth the try.
my guy wasn’t as open and receptive before..i gave it time and made him understand why i wanted to talk to him about change..it worked.
i really appreciate this post..it could help me a lot in my situation
ill try to follow these guidelines. whew..never thought it would be this difficult!
i really want him to change but he’s not into those serious talks esp when it’s about him :(
i think we need to realize that sometimes we just want so many things from our partners but forget to see our own needs to change
never change your partner, because you simply cannot.
dont even bother..try to change your approach and make the changes first then he’ll follow through w/out you even demanding it
i really hope he could change :(
i really want him to change for the better..ill try your advice
all of these make sense..we can’t just change our partners the way we want them to be.
you need to engage you partner and have a really good, calm and sensible conversation
this is why its very important for me to really get to know the guy before getting into a relationship. i dont want to make the same mistakes again which in the end urges me to change him for who i want him to be..
dont even try to change your partner cause u cant & you wont succeed. your partner couldnt even change you so whatever issues you have, you need to make sure you talk it out and be calm..do not nag
“don’t try to make him or her into something other than who he or she wants to be–it never, ever works!” — i like this, makes a lot of sense, thanks!
what else can i do? whenever i try talking to him, he rejects me cause he thinks im nagging
i want him to change for the better and for our future..but he gets mad whenever i encourage him.
make sure u know what u want & what ur partner wants also 4 ur relationship and then talk about it
invite him to a conversation & wait for him 2 b open..dont force it
yup, magic words do the magic! (:
make a nice and light approach to bring him to a conversation
make sure that your motive 4 wanting ur partner to change is for the improvement of ur relationship & not just sum selfish wants
i really dont know which approach i should use anymore..i feel like i tried everything already
men dont usually want any type of conversations esp when they’re busy or tired..try as hard 2 engage him by choosing ur words
make sure u hav d right approach so he wont take it as if u were 2 pick up another fight
yes! invite him to a conversation, not an argument
haha im guilty of making up stories sumtyms..just to give more emphasis on sum thins lol
yes, magic words do help a lot esp in trying to open up communication
iv always wanted him 2change 2 the man i wnat him 2b but i realize it doesnt work that way