How to Behave Around Your Girlfriend: 15 Ways to Make Her Happy

Treat your girlfriend with respect, and always be honest and kind. Show her how much you care by checking in often and standing up for her in public. Plan dates you know she’ll like by picking events or activities she’s interested in. Have dedicated date nights, but spend time with other friends and family too—time apart is as healthy as quality time together.

Method 1: Build a Strong and Respectful Relationship

1. Speak to Her Kindly

Speak to your girlfriend the way you would want to be spoken to by a close friend. Whether you’re sharing a laugh or disagreeing, mutual respect is key in a healthy relationship.

Always speak in a kind tone, even when upset.
Avoid name-calling or swearing at her, as these are signs of disrespect.

2. Observe and Respect Her Body Language

Nonverbal communication makes up a large part of understanding someone deeply.

Positive cues include smiling, eye contact, and leaning toward you.
If she seems uncomfortable—fidgeting, touching her neck, or looking tense—gently check in with her.

3. Treat Her as Your Equal

Celebrate her individuality and support her opinions, even when they differ from yours.

Accept differences in political views, tastes, or hobbies.
If your core values clash, reassess whether the relationship is a good fit.

4. Be Honest

Honesty is essential in any strong relationship.

Be truthful from the beginning; lies are stressful and can ruin trust.
If you’ve lied, admit it yourself instead of letting her find out from others.

5. Apologize If You Upset Her

Sincere apologies go a long way in maintaining respect.

Apologize as soon as you realize you’re wrong.
Speak from the heart and avoid insincere or forced apologies.

Method 2: Show Her You Care Daily

1. Let Her Know You’re Thinking About Her

Small gestures can mean a lot.

Send a thoughtful message or recall a funny memory.
Compliment her, even randomly, to brighten her day.

2. Use Your Manners and Be Courteous

Kindness and traditional gestures can still go a long way, depending on her preferences.

Open doors, offer to pay the bill, and introduce her proudly to friends.
Always ask what she’s comfortable with when it comes to chivalry.

3. Make Her Feel Special

Let her know she’s the one who matters most.

Make eye contact across the room and smile at her.
Spoil her occasionally and thank her for the little things.

4. Get to Know Her Friends

Her friends and family are part of her life—showing interest in them shows you care.

Ask questions and be genuinely interested in how they know her.
Be respectful and complimentary when around them.

5. Surprise Her

Unexpected gestures keep romance alive.

Leave her a note or send a card for no reason.
Plan a surprise date or send her flowers just because.

6. Be Affectionate

Physical touch can express feelings words can’t.

Hold hands, kiss her on the cheek, or wrap your arm around her in the cold.
Make sure she’s comfortable with public affection before showing it.

7. Stand Up for Her

Be her support system.

Defend her in tough situations, even if you address mistakes later.
Offer a listening ear and validate her feelings when she’s upset.

Method 3: Spend Quality Time Together

1. Plan a Date She’ll Love

Show you’ve been paying attention by planning activities she enjoys.

Take her to a concert, cooking class, brewery tour, or themed night at home.
Tailor the date to her interests for extra thoughtfulness.

2. Try a New Activity Together

New experiences create lasting memories.

Choose something adventurous or creative, like bouldering, cooking, or visiting an art show.
Don’t be afraid to look silly—it shows confidence and effort.

3. Spend Time Alone and With Others

Balance couple time with social interactions.

Have a weekly dedicated date night.
Plan group outings, double dates, or host a party together to maintain social bonds.
Encourage her independence and friendships as well.

Bonus Tips to Deepen Your Relationship

Explore more expert advice to elevate your relationship:

Become a Better Lover
Spice Things Up in the Bedroom
Make Love Last
11 Ways to Make a Woman Feel Loved and Secure
Be a Better Boyfriend
How to Become a More Romantic Man

By practicing these habits consistently, you’ll strengthen your bond and make your girlfriend feel valued, respected, and truly loved.

1. You’ll Feel More Assured if You Look Good

This is particularly crucial if you’ve been moping for a few days, which is a common reaction to a breakup. Take a shower, put on your favorite shirt or shoes, and make every effort to look presentable before you leave the house. If you happen to run into your ex again, you won’t feel ashamed or embarrassed.

Making a change or trying something new to update your appearance after a breakup can feel good. For instance, you might purchase a trendy fit that you wouldn’t typically risk, get your hair dyed, or get a haircut. A little makeover can boost your self-esteem and encourage you to work harder before you go out.

Simply follow your regular schedule and visit the locations you typically visit when you’re out. Just because you’re afraid of bumping into your ex doesn’t mean you should change things.

2. Remember That They Most Likely Share Your Feelings

No one, including your ex, wants to unexpectedly run into someone they’ve broken up with. When you’re caught off guard, remembering this can help you relax a bit, especially if you’re experiencing a wave of emotions upon seeing them again.

It’s also important to remember that you can just turn around and leave if you don’t want to engage with them again. It’s advisable to wait for them to calm down before attempting to get in touch with them again, even if you believe you want to reunite.

If necessary, go somewhere and take deep breaths to help you relax. You can feel more in control and reduce your emotions by concentrating on your breathing. Even if you’re likely to see them frequently—like at work or school—don’t force yourself to interact before you’re ready.

3. As You Work to Restore Your Self-Esteem, Project Confidence

Your self-esteem may suffer after a breakup. In the weeks following, focus on taking care of yourself and regaining your confidence and strength. Strong body language and proper posture can boost your confidence—even if you run into your ex.

Avoid body language that conveys intimidation, such as lowering your head or avoiding eye contact. However, don’t strike a “boss pose” just to appear confident. If it doesn’t come naturally, it may come off as forced.

4. Treat Your Ex Like Any Other Distant Acquaintance

This can be a painful adjustment, but it’s a healthy one. If they look in your direction, smile and wave slightly. Let them know it’s okay to see them.

Be aware that this may happen often, especially if you share neighborhoods or routines. If things ended messily, don’t linger. Say hello, be courteous, and go about your day. You can still be polite and civil, even if you’re trying to move on.

5. Avoid Talking About the Past and Mention That You’re Keeping Busy

Bring up something they’d be interested in, share a quick update about your recent activities, or mention a new project. Don’t rehash the relationship or any problems—it’s not the time for that. Keep the conversation light and drama-free.

If things ended poorly, it’s okay to simply nod and go about your day. Avoid asking if they’ve been thinking about you—it can seem desperate. Pretend they’re just someone you used to know.

6. If You’re Pretending, Your Ex Will Be Able to Tell

You might feel tempted to act like you’re totally fine, but your ex will likely notice if it’s not genuine. That may make it seem like you’re struggling more than you actually are.

It’s okay not to have it all together. If they ask how you’re doing, neutral responses like “hanging in there” or “taking it one day at a time” are enough. There’s no need to sugarcoat things or pretend you’ve moved on overnight.

Avoid being overly kind or unnecessarily cold. You’re no longer in each other’s lives, so there’s no need for more arguments.

7. Extended Conversations May Elicit an Emotional Reaction

If you’re trying to normalize seeing your ex, a quick, polite exchange is fine. Say hello, remark that it’s nice to see them, then excuse yourself and leave. You might say, “It’s great to see you, but I’m actually rushing to meet a friend. See you later.”

If your breakup was unpleasant, it’s best not to talk at all. If things ended on a friendly note, brief and courteous is the way to go. Avoid asking too many personal questions, like whether they’re dating someone new, unless you’re both comfortable.

8. Remind Your Friends That They Are Not Required to Take Sides

You don’t have to divide your mutual friends after a breakup—it’s unfair and awkward for everyone involved. That said, you’ll probably still run into each other at events or gatherings. Just try to avoid your ex and be civil.

Don’t talk badly about your ex to mutual friends—it’ll likely get back to them and create more discomfort. It’s also normal to feel a little sad seeing your ex with shared friends. Let yourself feel it, then move on and enjoy the event.

9. If Your Ex Will Be Present, Allow Your Friends to Act as a Buffer

If you live in a small town or have overlapping friend groups, running into your ex is inevitable. If things start feeling tense or awkward, stay close to a trusted friend who can help you steer clear of any uncomfortable moments.

Being in a larger group can also make it less likely that your ex will approach you.

10. It Can Be Awkward to Flaunt a New Relationship

If you run into your ex while on a date or with a new partner, try not to overdo it. There’s no need to flaunt your new relationship. Offer a brief and cordial introduction if necessary, then move on.

If there’s a good chance you’ll see your ex, and you’re still on speaking terms, you might even want to give them a heads-up. If the roles are reversed, keep calm and courteous.

11. Before Pursuing Friendship, Give Yourself Some Time to Move On

Even if your breakup was peaceful, moving on takes time. Experts recommend not contacting your ex for at least six months before attempting to be friends.

Use that time to reflect on whether you genuinely want to be friends or if you’re subconsciously hoping to reconcile. Give yourself space to fully accept that the romantic part of the relationship is over.

If your ex continues to act unpredictably, it might be a sign that it’s time to cut ties for good.

12. Choose the Words and Actions You Feel Comfortable Using with Your Ex

If you want to rebuild a relationship or explore friendship, take time to talk through what went wrong. Set boundaries on how you both want things to progress.

Understand that boundaries can evolve. You might say yes to something in the moment—like dinner with your ex—then realize you’re not ready. It’s okay to excuse yourself and leave politely.

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