Get What You Want in a Relationship
#15 Listen to Your Partner Well
If you are tuning them out, only to engage them when you actually want something, this will not work in your favor. Be attentive and sympathetic and then ask for what you want.
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15:
Listen to Your Partner Well
If you are tuning them out, only to engage them when you actually want something, this will not work in your favor. Be attentive and sympathetic and then ask for what you want.
14:
Use Reverse Psychology
If your partner is a tough nut to crack, you may need to use a little reverse psychology to get what you want.
13:
Ask For What You Want Confidently
If you are confident, your desires are much more clearly communicated. Hemming and hawing makes you look indecisive.
12:
Take Defeat Well
We can't always get what we want, but that doesn't mean we need to sulk about it. You might be surprised, if you take it well, your partner may do what you wanted anyway.
11:
Learn How to Compromise
You may not always be able to get exactly what you want. Learn how to meet your partner in the middle.
10:
Be Specific
There's a time to be coy, but if your partner isn't taking the hint, you may need to get specific.
9:
Ask With a Smile
You'd be surprised at how quickly your requests are answered when you ask with a (genuine!) smile.
8:
Avoid Overtly Manipulating Your Partner
No one likes to feel as though they've been manipulated into doing something. If you feel you must manipulate them, do it subtly.
7:
Watch Your Tone of Voice
Try to avoid sounding whiny, angry or petulant when you ask for something. The other person will appreciate it.
6:
Ask Without Asking
Dropping broad hints about things you would sometimes works better than asking right out for something.
5:
Do Things For Your Partner
Someone who regularly receives little gifts and favors from you is going to be a lot more likely to reciprocate.
4:
Avoid Threatening Your Partner
The words "or else!" should never enter into your conversation when you want something.
3:
Avoid Making Your Partner Feel Obligated
Yes, it's common to think "Scratch my back, and I'll scratch yours," over the long term, holding someone under obligation is going to backfire. No one likes to feel forced into doing something.
2:
Be Prepared to Argue Your Case
Your partner may need a little extra convincing. Have a good argument already lined up.
1:
Separate Wants From Needs
At the end of the day, the things you "want," may really not be the things you need. Always ask yourself, do I really "need" this. The answer may surprise you.
