Do you lack the ability or will to be patient in your relationships? If you want to learn how to be patient in a relationship, this article will provide you with the insight you need!
As we talk about the different ways to be patient with this monster list, you will likely discover that you could use a few of these tips to improve yourself.
Do you long to treat your partner with respect? Do you already know that being patient will help solve so many problems? You can take steps in the right direction and start now.
Keep an open mind as you explore the ways to be patient in a relationship. You never know how one of these tips or ways will impact your relationship until you give them a try!
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How to Be Patient in a Relationship (75+ Ways)
Learn how to be patient in a relationship by using one or more of these ways. Remember to keep an open attitude and an eager spirit as you explore these ways to be patient. This might mean that you should not react too swiftly when your partner says something that annoys you.
#1. Be empathetic.
Having a good sense of empathy is all about understanding where the other person is coming from. Wouldn’t you love it if everyone knew what you meant when you spoke? Placing yourself in your partner’s shoes (in your mind) will help you with patience!
Related: How to Be More Patient and Understanding (25 Easy Ways to Improve)
#2. Listen carefully.
If you have trouble listening, be sure to check out our article on how to listen better! There are plenty of things that you can do to improve this skill, so do not let it be a roadblock. A few things to try are maintaining eye contact, putting aside distractions, and offering sincere feedback.
#3. Show that you care.
You probably really care about this individual, or you would likely not be reading this article. Show them that you care by the way you respond to them. Don’t act childish or in an unfair way. Think about how you’d like to be treated if you needed some grace!
Related: Learn All About the Different Types of Grace
#4. Think about their feelings.
Often, we only think about our side of things. It’s important that when you are in difficult situations, you act with care. Show your loved one how patient you can be by thinking about how your words affect them. How could you be more empathetic in this situation?
#5. Be kind.
Kindness rolls right along with the other traits a patient person has. If you show love to your partner, kindness will be right there. Allow yourself time to take a few deep breaths to calm down and respond with care and compassion.
Related: 25 Traits of a Successful Marriage (What You Need to Know + Free Worksheet)
#6. Do not try to change them.
When we act like people can be changed by our own efforts, we often run the risk of becoming too controlling. It’s important that you accept your partner for who he or she is.
Of course, if they are not who you want to be with or who you thought they were, you’ll need to consider ending things.
#7. Remember your love for them.
If you are in love with your partner and not just learning new things about them, you’ll need to be more patient in those moments when they get on your nerves. Patient people are able to keep their calm even in the most annoying moments of their relationship.
Related: How to Start Praying for Your Husband (Free Prayer Cards)
#8. Give it time.
The best way to start being patient in a relationship is to wait out the situation. Time will give you both a moment to think about things. You will likely calm down once you realize what this means in terms of the big picture.
#9. Walk away before the insults come out.
If you suspect that you will soon say things that you will later regret, it is best to leave the situation. Ask for a little bit of space and hope that your partner can respect your boundaries.
Recommended Book: Boundaries by Dr. Henry Cloud
#10. Spend more alone time together.
The more time you spend with someone, the more likely you will be to understand why they are the way they are. You’ll be able to uncover their true feelings in regard to a particular trigger or event. There’s a chance that things will make more sense once you get to know them better.
Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. – Romans 12:10 (NIV)
#11. Take the time you need to respond with care.
When crafting a truly important message, take your time. You want to use care with your words and not lash out in anger or excitement. Many relationships have been ruined for far less of a reason!
#12. Do not take them for granted.
If you realize how lucky you are to have the person you share a relationship with, you will not take them for granted by being impatient. Instead, you will show them respect and care because they actually mean something to you.
#13. Realize that you do not have to be right.
This is a critical way to be patient in a relationship! Realize you never have to come out on top. In all likelihood, your partner is not keeping score, and you shouldn’t be either! If you can keep the peace or be humble, you’ll likely come out ahead, anyway!
Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. – Romans 12:16 (NIV)
#14. Think about your relationship.
If you take into consideration the status of your relationship, the length of it, and why you entered it in the first place, you might decide that what you are being impatient over is not worth it. Always keep the big picture in mind when trying to be patient in a relationship.
#15. Stay in control of your emotions.
Regardless of why you are trying to be patient in a relationship, you should have a handle on your reactions – on the way you express your feelings and emotions! Don’t lash out in anger or because of past resentment. It’s easy to hold grudges, but they are not usually worth it!
#16. Take a break from the situation.
Sometimes, the best reaction is none at all. Just ask for a time-out, a moment to catch your breath. Often, when we have time to meditate on what is making us feel impatient in the relationship, we can get a handle on things and express ourselves more productively.
#17. Appreciate them.
It’s important that you show appreciation to your partner. If you lash out because you are impatient over something, you will likely regret this. Instead, show your partner how much you value them by doing something kind, even if that act of kindness is just keeping quiet.
Related: How to Be a Good Christian Friend (Traits You Need to Know)
#18. Think before you speak.
Use your brain to process the information. We live in an instant society where everything is done at the speed of light, but you can rise above that by thinking before you start saying something regrettable.
#19. Practice deep breathing.
There are many deep breathing exercises out there that can make a huge difference if you want to have more patience in your relationship. Try one out, not just for the sake of your partner but also for your own sake. That way, you won’t have to apologize for another outburst!
#20. Have realistic expectations.
What you expect or hope for is not always going to be what happens. If you are a controlling person or perfectionist, you probably have a tough time with this. Show your partner that you value them by working on this. Establish healthy, gracious, and understanding expectations!
Related: Find Comfort in the Psalms of Hope (Learn Everything)
#21. Think about the part you played.
It’s always critical in difficult situations that we think about our part. This can be quite a calming thing to do! Remember that you are not perfect; no one on this Earth is!
#22. Get to know them better.
Often, when we get to know someone better, we understand their pain and issues. Things that once annoyed us make sense, and we begin to love them more! Give them a chance, and get to know them better, and your patience will grow!
#23. Show love.
In the Bible, one of the chief commands is that we love one another. Love encompasses so much! If you show love in your relationship, you will naturally become a more patient person!
Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. – John 13:34 (NIV)
#24. Communicate better.
Learn how to communicate better with your partner. Talk to them about your communication barriers and how you are having difficulty being patient with them. If you talk openly about your struggles, they will be easier to overcome!
Related: How to Become a Better Listener (The 10 Key Points)
#25. Count to 10.
While this may sound like a simple exercise, if you want to be patient in your relationship, it is certainly worth a try!
#26. Consider their feelings.
When you say hurtful words, you are likely just damaging your relationship! Think about how the other person feels before you say the next hurtful thing. Build your patience by being more empathetic.
Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ. – Galatians 6:2 (NIV)
#27. Appreciate their humanity.
We are all only human. You make mistakes just like the next person. If you want to know how to be patient in a relationship, one key element is remembering that they are not infallible. Remember, you want them to give you the benefit of the doubt at times, so do the same!
#28. Sugarcoat your words.
Before you say something that might damage your relationship, consider how you could reword that statement in a nicer way!
#29. Remember that you have flaws too.
This goes hand-in-hand with the human element. You are possibly not the easiest person in the world to get along with, so make sure you are treating them in a manner that you would want to be treated.
Related: How to Pray for Someone Who Hates You (Exact Prayers to Use)
#30. Set goals for the relationship.
Setting goals is an excellent way to be patient in a relationship. If you want to stop fighting so much, talk to your partner and write it down. Come up with baby steps on how you could get this goal accomplished. If you do this exercise together, your relationship will only bloom.
Related: How to Set Goals with Free Worksheet or 75+ Goal Examples
#31. Try positive self-talk.
If you are able to encourage yourself more, you’ll likely use more encouraging words in your relationship. This will help tremendously with the patience element of your relationship because you will feel more confident and less stressed out when you communicate.
Let us, therefore, make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. – Romans 14:19 (NIV)
#32. Know when to walk away.
If you are about to lose your cool, you may need to walk away from the situation for a period of time. It’s better to take a break than to lose your patience in an unfortunate way.
#33. Stay positive.
If you are able to see the glass half-full in each situation that you are in, you will become much more positive and patient. You will see the good sides to issues more often than not.
#34. Consider their point of view.
When your partner expresses their thoughts, take them into consideration. Don’t just become immediately argumentative. Give some thought to what they have said and why they said it.
#35. Know your triggers.
If you are aware of the fact that you have difficulty being patient in a relationship, you should learn to recognize the triggers you have – the things that set you off. Once you do, change how you react. Don’t lash out in anger; take the time to craft a thoughtful response instead.
Have anger issues? Consider going to Celebrate Recovery – a place for anyone!!
#36. Let them be who they are.
If you want to be with this individual for a long period of time or want your relationship to grow, think about who they are. You don’t want to walk into this relationship thinking you can change them into someone that they do not want to be. Be patient with the person they are today.
Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. – Romans 15:7 (NIV)
#37. Give your partner your undivided attention.
It’s so very easy to be distracted by social media or television. Ads alone can pull your mind in a million different directions! Turn it all off when you need to be patient with your partner. Give them your attention, and your listening skills and the amount of patience you have will improve.
#38. Don’t be mean just because they are acting that way.
Don’t ever treat someone in a relationship in a negative way because they are doing the same to you. Don’t allow them to walk all over you, but don’t be malicious just because they are doing that to you. You will feel much better about yourself if you do not give in to temptation here.
#39. Let them know your point of view kindly.
If you want to be patient in a relationship, it’s crucial that you are kind with your words and point of view. Think about how you want to be treated and the words that you would love to hear, and respond in a kind fashion.
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ, God forgave you. – Ephesians 4:32 (NIV)
#40. Consider counseling.
There will always be times when a third party is needed. Find a good counselor to work through any issues you might have or that are pressing in your relationship.
#41. Do not pretend to be someone you aren’t.
Just because you believe your partner wants a certain type of individual does not mean that you need to act that way. Be yourself. However, if you have difficulty being patient in a relationship, make sure you show them respect and care when speaking or arguing!
#42. Put your phone away.
As previously mentioned, having distractions when trying to be patient is not the best idea. It’s much wiser to put that phone away and give them respect, especially if you are trying to be patient in your relationship! Would you like your partner to treat YOU that way?
#43. Take a walk together.
Consider taking a walk in nature together. If you can both enjoy the outdoors a bit, you might just find peace and patience for the areas where the two of you were about to lose your cool.
#44. Accept their flaws.
Your partner has flaws, just like the rest of us. If it annoys you when they gossip, have a chat about the subject. If they do not change this, learn to enjoy conversations with them, even when they gossip! Maybe talk about the positive traits the gossip subject has. Learn to keep your cool!
Related: How to Deal with Gossip (The Ultimate Plan)
#45. Hear them out.
If you react instantly to your partner, you’ll likely be acting in an impatient way. It’s better to truly hear your partner out before lashing out in a negative way. Try to be patient and allow them to say the things that they feel they need to say.
#46. Express your feelings.
When you hold things in and do not express your true feelings in a relationship, you will often build up resentment and anger. This is not a healthy way to cope with your feelings, and it might cause you to become very impatient with your partner.
#47. Hold hands when you communicate.
Have you ever noticed that you become calmer and more relaxed when you touch another person? Consider trying this technique to be more patient in your relationship.
But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. – Hebrews 3:13 (NIV)
#48. Do more things together.
Spending time together is a great way to get to know one another on a deeper level. Once you understand your partner better, you will be able to stay calmer around them because you’ll know them better. Of course, this does not work 100% of the time, but give it a try!
#49. Analyze the alternatives.
If you are like me, you love numbers and analyzing things. Think about what would happen if you were to become impatient over this situation and give yourself time to cool off before responding harshly.
#50. Show your emotions.
It’s just never a good idea to keep emotions bottled up inside. Try to show what you need to or control the emotions that need to be better maintained.
#51. Compromise.
You will likely not get your way 100% of the time. Instead of aiming for your way all the time, ask for a medium compromise – something where you both get a piece of the pie!
#52. Trust them.
Trust, of course, needs to be built over time, but if you can trust your partner with your thoughts, feelings, and emotions, you will be more confident and perhaps careful when expressing them.
#53. Consider seeing a relationship coach.
If you have problems with all of your relationships, there might be something you can work on with the help of a relationship coach. If both of you have trouble communicating, consider a coach or counselor that specializes in partners with problems.
You could hit Celebrate Recovery for more resources!
#54. Know when you are stressed to the max.
If you are completely stressed out, it’s not a good idea to communicate with anyone – if you can avoid it. You certainly do not need to respond in a heated conversation. Ask for some time to calm down before you react in a way that you will later regret.
#55. Dedicate “alone time” with them.
If you have a dedicated time to talk to your partner, you are likely to be more focused and intentional with the things you decide to say. If you want to be more patient in a relationship, you’ve got to put forth the effort!
#56. Pray for patience for yourself.
Prayer is powerful! Consider praying for yourself – that you might be able to learn how to be patient in a relationship and show your partner respect. If you are married or in a relationship of another kind, you can also pray for your husband, future husband, or other partners.
Related: Should I Really Write a Letter to My Future Husband?
#57. Build trust for one another.
Building trust is crucial in a relationship. I’ve been in relationships where this was absent, and my stress level with those people was definitely higher! It’s much easier to be patient and calm with someone you know to be honorable and pleasant to be around.
#58. Explain your expectations.
When we have unrealistic expectations, others will always fall short of what we want and expect. If you have difficulty with this or with your partner meeting your reasonable expectations, talk to them about it! Ask them to give you a little grace as you work on your perfectionism.
#59. Remain calm.
Of course, this suggestion is easier said than done, right? Just try some deep breathing exercises, meditation, yoga, or prayer. Discover what makes you calm, and know that that is your go-to place for when things get heated in your life.
#60. Build them up.
If you look at the pleasant parts of your partner and reinforce those traits by complimenting them, you will become more patient in your relationship. Plus, your partner will likely appreciate you much more!
Related: How to Encourage Someone (100 Easy Ways)
#61. Appreciate the wait.
Granted, this is not an easy task, but we often have to wait for the better things in life. When I was waiting for my future husband, I was very impatient and frustrated, but it was certainly worth the wait. Find ways to enjoy the wait, and know that there may be a reason for it!
#62. Write in a journal.
Expressing yourself on paper is a great way to become more patient in a relationship. You can vent all you want! Just make sure you have a lock on that diary or journal, or put it in a place that is private. Consider writing a letter to the person you are in a relationship with! Don’t send it!
Related: How to Get Started with Your Prayer Journal (Free Download)
#63. Talk about boundaries.
Boundaries are critical in a relationship. You must communicate these things in a meaningful way. Dedicate a period of time for your partner to discuss the matter. Afterward, you will be so relieved and thankful that you had the discussion!
#64. Realize when they are impatient.
If your partner is acting in an impatient way in your relationship, consider talking to them about your perception. Let them know that you notice that they seem short. Ask them to discuss the matter that is making them not be patient in your relationship.
#65. Pray together.
If you spend time in prayer together, your mood will likely improve. There are many benefits to prayer, but it can certainly calm you down if you are in an impatient mood. If there is a matter you are fighting about, ask your spouse or partner to pray with you about it.
#66. Don’t react immediately.
Reactions are not always the best medicine. You will have much more success if you spend a few moments thinking of your response before you talk.
#67. Take time for self-improvement.
Self-improvement can do wonders for a person. Ask your partner what they love and don’t love about you, and you might be able to turn that into a self-improvement task list – things you can work to improve upon.
#68. Tolerate uncomfortable moments.
We have tornado sirens here in Oklahoma, and I used to hate the noise they made when they tested them on Saturday mornings. I still don’t love them, but I practiced exposure to the noise, and it no longer tests my nerves as much as it used to! Give exposure therapy a try!
#69. Spend more quality time together.
While spending time together can help a great deal because you get to know one another better, spending quality time together can truly maximize the benefits here. Try having a date night with your partner or a time when you can truly focus on one another.
Therefore encourage one another with these words. – 1 Thessalonians 4:18 (NIV)
#70. Turn off the television.
Having the television on, especially if you watch something with commercials, can sometimes really test your nerves. If you want to be patient in your relationship, you might have to turn it off, especially if you want to show the respect your partner deserves when talking.
#71. Think about the consequences of your actions.
It’s easy to act in an impatient way; after all, it’s usually our first instinct! Practice waiting a few moments before saying that nasty remark. You might just realize that you do not mean those words and do not want your partner to feel hurt because of something you’ve said!
#72. Do not compare your relationship to that of others.
You can easily lose patience in a relationship if you compare your relationship to that of others. Most people on social media do not have perfect relationships, even if their pictures look like they do. Realize that everyone has problems, and focus on your relationship independently.
Related: Let’s Talk About Christian Sex!
#73. Take care of your mental health.
If you have a hormone imbalance that causes your mental health to deteriorate, see a mental health professional! This can affect how patient you are with everyone! Do not allow mental health or physical health issues to go untreated and ruin something special.
#74. Meditate.
Meditation can be a powerful tool. Find a Bible verse or mantra that especially helps calm you down and repeat it to yourself in those moments when you do not feel patient in a relationship.
#75. Pray about the matter before responding.
If you do not know how to pray, it’s pretty straightforward. You do not even have to say the words out loud. Write in a prayer journal whatever is going on inside. If you struggle with prayer, you can just speak from the heart about the matters of your heart.
#76. Stay off social media.
Social media can be toxic. If you find yourself getting impatient because you read posts or see videos where other people seem to have certain expectations that are met, consider getting off there more often. You don’t want to listen to the wrong sources when it comes to love!
#77. Remember that love is patient.
We are told love is patient in the Bible. Love, of course, is full of many components, as 1 Corinthians 13 tells us. If you remind yourself of the love you have in your relationship, also tell yourself that the Bible says true love is patient, and perhaps patience will come easier to you.
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. – 1 Corinthians 13:4 (NIV)
#78. Respond with thought.
Thinking before you speak is always a good choice. You will likely be greeted with a kinder response if you speak with thought. Do not rush to say whatever first comes to mind; rather, give it a little bit of thinking. Your relationship and partner will thank you!
#79. Practice mindfulness.
Mindfulness is all about the present. Do not focus on the past or too much on the future. If you are always bringing up your partner’s mistakes, it just won’t be received well. Likewise, if you always talk about what this means for the future, you’ll miss out on current great moments!
Conclusion
You should now know how to be patient in a relationship or at least have some great ideas on how to do this effectively. There are a lot of things you can try; you’ll just need to find what works best for you and your partner!
If you enjoyed this article and really learned how to be patient in a relationship one way or another, please share this article on social media or with your friends and family! Stay tuned to our website and be sure to subscribe to our newsletter, as more articles like this are coming!!
Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. – Colossians 3:13 (NIV)
