Needs in a Relationship: How to Fulfill Relationship Needs

Intimate relationships will present unique sets of emotional and physical needs. You or your significant other may have some of the following basic needs:

1. 1. Validation: Words of affirmation and kindness are ways to validate romantic partners and make them feel important and valued.
2. 2. Quality time: Date nights, vacations, and other carved-out activities are special ways of spending time together.
3. 3. Independence: Some partners will have their own needs or hobbies they can practice independently of the other partner. Journaling, sports, and other activities that promote one’s sense of self and mental health are vital in a relationship.
4. 4. Sense of security: Ensuring your partner feels secure right now and in the long term can strengthen bonds. Worrying about lies, infidelity, or other issues may affect wellness or faith in a partnership.
5. 5. Physical touch: Handholding, sex, and light affection in public express care and love for a significant other.
6. 6. Thoughtfulness: Partners can demonstrate thoughtfulness by proactively helping with chores, assisting with favors without fuss, and sending messages to partners on anniversaries, birthdays, or holidays.
7. 7. Respect: Show respect to your partner by not talking over them, listening to their point of view, and celebrating their accomplishments.

Relationship needs vary as a relationship evolves. See how you can identify and communicate needs to nurture a healthy relationship:

• Be direct. Be sincere and straightforward while voicing what is essential to you—and hearing your partner out when they have to address their own needs. If you need to have a serious conversation with your partner about your needs, do it without the distraction of TV, alcohol, or other activities.
• Read body language. You may identify a partner’s needs through nonverbal communication—see how your partner reacts to specific scenarios to determine their comfort level and desires.
• Name non-negotiables. Before getting into a relationship, know your deal-breakers, and communicate them so your partner understands your boundaries and preferences.

Learning how to respect your partner’s needs can strengthen your relationship and decrease the chances of experiencing unmet needs. Consider the following ways to honor your partners’ needs:

1. 1. Compromise. Emotional needs, time commitments, and favorite hobbies are unique person-to-person. Relationship satisfaction is best when both partners compromise, addressing each person’s time and passions and showing mutual respect.
2. 2. Communicate. Honest communication is key to any successful relationship. Communication is essential in good times (paying compliments and saying “I love you” to one another) and effective during bad times (voice concerns before they fester, and don’t be afraid to share your human needs and feelings).
3. 3. Build trust. You can build trust to fulfill your partner’s needs by making good on your word, apologizing for mistakes, and being open-minded to change or new opinions.

Craving a little more intimacy? Grab a MasterClass Annual Membership and learn more about open communication with your partners, experimenting in the bedroom, and being your own best sexual advocate with a little help from Emily Morse (host of the wildly popular podcast Sex With Emily).