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19 ways to feel more confident about your relationship

By Nancy Lichtenstein, The Frisky
Be affectionate. If he returns the affection, it'll make you confident. If he doesn't, find a new boyfriend.
Be affectionate. If he returns the affection, it'll make you confident. If he doesn't, find a new boyfriend.
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
  • Don't snoop unless you really have good reason not to trust him
  • Avoid discussing relationship issues with paranoid girlfriends
  • Don't compare your relationship to other people's relationships
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(The Frisky) -- There are many ways to feel more confident about your relationship, and here are 19 to get you started.

So, take the reins or the bull by the horns (or whatever else comes to mind), and start feeling more assured that the two of you have a good thing going!

1) Don't snoop unless you really have good reason not to trust him. E-mails and voice mails taken out of context can cause a lot of unnecessary heartache.

2) Give him a little friendly competition. It doesn't hurt for him to know that your tall, built, wildly successful artist friend from college periodically tells you you're the one who got away and it's the biggest regret of his life.

3) Skip the games and be up-front. If something's bothering you, tell him directly. Guys don't know what to make of it, and it shakes them up and gives you the upper hand.

4) Be confident in yourself. Finish your degree, apply for the better job or write that novel. If you have a good sense of your own self-worth, you'll be confident in your relationship.

5) Set some ground rules at the beginning. If you both agree that Friday is the night for hanging out with your friends separately, it won't be a conflict when he wants to play poker or you want to take a short road trip with some girlfriends.

6) Don't let the relationship progress too far without discussing major issues. Having children, religious differences, whether either one of you is willing to relocate for a job -- these can be land mines in the future.

7) Work out. It reduces stress and releases endorphins and makes you hot.

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8) Be affectionate. If he returns the affection, it'll make you confident. If not, it's time to find a new boyfriend who is affectionate.

9) Avoid the temptation to endlessly analyze details. If he wears the shirt his ex-girlfriend bought him, it may just mean that it's the only clean white shirt he has that day.

10) Similarly, avoid discussing relationship issues with paranoid girlfriends. Paranoia is contagious and, before you know it, you'll be worrying if your boyfriend is cheating, because your friend's husband came home smelling of Angel when she wears only Poison.

11) Have lots of outside interests apart from the relationship. When you start to feel insecure, it helps to have something else to obsess over.

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12) Present your best self to your partner and the world. Don't always go out dressed in sweats, and don't sleep in ratty T-shirts every single night. The old adage is true: When you look good, you probably feel good.

13) Replace negative self-talk with affirmations. Every time you find yourself thinking, "I don't deserve this guy," change it to "I deserve a wonderful relationship and more."

14) Don't let yourself become dependent. Know how to unclog the sink and change a tire. Skills are confidence boosters.

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15) Let go of emotional baggage. If your grandma told you your sister was the pretty one or your dance teacher said you weren't graceful enough to be in the front row, it doesn't mean your boyfriend thinks you're homely or a klutz now.

16) Be yourself. Trying to maintain a façade is exhausting and confidence-eroding.

17) Similarly, let him be himself. If he feels like you're always picking at him, he'll strike back and it won't feel good.

18) Don't compare your relationship to other people's relationships. The grass isn't always greener, and you never know what's going on behind closed doors.

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19) Memorize his credit card numbers. You'll always have the capacity for really serious revenge.

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