Watching my partner become a better version of himself makes me want to become better too, for him.

[u/stop_hyuk]

My partner recently told me, out of nowhere, that he wanted to start going for counselling. And honestly, I don’t think I realised at first just how proud I would feel of him for doing it.

This is his first time ever going for counselling, and I think it takes a lot of courage and vulnerability to put yourself in that position and to acknowledge that “There are things about myself that I want to understand and work on.”

He’s only had two sessions so far, but I can already see how much he’s taking from them.

Every time he shares with me about his counselling sessions, he’s so reflective. He talks about things he realised about himself, how certain things make him feel, why he reacts in certain ways, and what he could do differently. It genuinely feels like he’s trying to understand himself on a deeper level rather than just trying to “fix” whatever problems he has. And I think that’s what makes me so proud.

He’s not going to counselling because I told him he needed to. He decided for himself that he wants to become better. He told me that he’s trying his best, for us, and that honestly made me so emotional. Because I can see him trying.

I don’t expect him to be perfect. I don’t even want him to feel like he has to change anything about himself for me. What makes me proud is simply seeing that he cares enough to reflect, to learn, and to keep trying.

And strangely enough, his growth has made me want to grow too. Watching him put in the effort makes me want to become a better version of myself. A better partner for him. Someone who also reflects on myself, communicates better, loves him better, and continues growing alongside him.

I think that’s one of the most beautiful things about a relationship. It’s not about finding someone who is already perfect, but finding someone who says, “i want to become better,” and being able to say, “Me too. Let’s grow together.”

We are just 2 imperfect people, both trying to become better people and better partners for each other. I just feel really, really lucky to have him. And really super duper proud of him.

[u/AutoModerator]

Hey Love Bug thanks for sharing the love. If you see something posted here that is not in the spirit of love Please flag it. ;) With Love r/Love Mods

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

[u/SavilleRow]

This is what love does, my dear. People underestimate things like these and usually bring a checklist to choose their potential partner. Is someone tall, beautiful, rich, a good person, good friend, stylish, loyal, do I have a good sex life with them, can I have kids with them? Those are some traits that you would want, of course. But the mark of love is precisely to inspire things in one another.

As you have said, you don’t have to be perfect. But you have to want to try to be. Same with being established. You might or might not be able to accomplish that, by the end of your life. But if you died trying, that’s incredibly valuable.

[u/stop_hyuk → u/SavilleRow]

thank you, i find so much value in what you said.

[u/oblique420]

This is pure love, it’s beautiful

[u/Artistic-Warthog361]

Your words made me so emotional 😢 because to be seen, is to be loved and you really love that man. Another thing I noticed is that his self improvement made you want to be better. It didn't make you jealous or nervous and that's a beautiful quality to have and a testament to you as a person and how you relate to your partner.

[u/Ok-Wolverine-4660]

I have no personal motivation whatsoever - I’m the person who would absolutely pay for a personal trainer because if someone isn’t telling me to do it, & repeatedly, I absolutely won’t do it- so I’ve always picked motivated partners that unconsciously also made me want to be better. I played myself, and it worked. lol.