36 Best Relationship Advice for Women (+ Expert Insights)

Being a woman in the world of dating and relationships can feel overwhelming sometimes. There are so many expectations, so much advice, and so many different opinions on what makes a relationship successful.

That’s why I’ve gathered some of the best relationship advice for women, with insights from experts who really know their stuff.

Whether you’re single, taken, or somewhere in between, these tips will help you navigate the ups and downs of love with a little more grace, humor, and self-compassion. So what are you waiting for? Let’s get started! 

You must be your #1 priority.

Listen up, ladies! Before you pour your heart and soul into any relationship, there’s one person who should always come first: Y-O-U. You absolutely have to put yourself on the top of your list!

This means different things for different people. Maybe it’s indulging in a self-care routine, pursuing your passions, or simply setting aside time for quiet reflection. Whatever it is that makes you feel happy, confident, and fulfilled—do more of that!

There’s nothing like the glow of a woman who knows her worth and isn’t afraid to put herself first. You owe it to yourself, love. So treat yourself the way you’d want your partner to treat you—with kindness, respect, and a whole lot of love.

Resolve your insecurities.

We all have our insecurities—those little nagging doubts that whisper you’re not good enough. But it’s totally in your power to quiet those voices by working on yourself, for yourself.

It’s not fair to expect your significant other to constantly reassure you, read your mind, or walk on eggshells around your sensitive spots. That’s a one-way ticket to Resentment City.

Do it for you, babe. Your partner’s job is to support you, not fix you. Because when you find confidence in yourself, you bring that shine to everything you do—including your love life.

Never apologize for your boundaries.

Your boundaries are your non-negotiables, and you should never feel the need to apologize or feel guilty about them.

In fact, establishing healthy boundaries is one of the most loving things you can do for yourself and your relationship because they teach others how to treat you. They show your partner what you’re comfortable with and what you won’t tolerate. They protect your emotional well-being and ensure that you’re being respected in your relationship.

So, if something doesn’t feel right, speak up. If you need some alone time, take it. If you’re not ready for a certain step in your relationship, say so. Your boundaries are valid, and anyone who truly loves you will respect them.

Be your own woman.

Before you were someone’s partner, girlfriend, or wife, you were you. An amazing woman full of your own dreams, opinions, and style—that doesn’t have to disappear just because you’re in a relationship.

Being in a relationship should complement your life, not consume it. Having your own life outside of the relationship not only keeps things fresh and exciting but also ensures that you maintain a sense of self and independence.

Remember, a strong and independent woman is not only attractive but also essential for a healthy and balanced relationship. So go out there, chase your dreams, and be the amazing woman you were always meant to be!

"One way women lose themselves is by giving up their interests. This may occur because they prioritize their partner's interests because their partner declines to join them, or because their partner disapproves of their pursuits.

I've had a patient tell me that dancing used to be her favorite activity and her main source of exercise. She gave up dancing because her husband didn't want to join her and made her feel guilty for going without him.

In the absence of such opportunities, we can become psychologically and emotionally depleted as well as isolated. When challenges in the relationship arise, women who feel depleted are in a more vulnerable position and risk further losses."

— Anna Yam, Ph.D. | Clinical Psychologist in Private Practice, Bloom Psychology

Be too much of a woman.

Okay, ladies, let’s ditch the idea that we need to shrink ourselves to fit into society’s mold of what a woman should be.

There’s no such thing as being ‘too much’ of anything. Too loud, too opinionated, too emotional, too ambitious. Nah, that’s just someone else’s way of saying, “I can’t handle all that awesomeness.”

If you’re passionate, be passionate. If you’ve got a big laugh, let it out. Worried about overshadowing someone? The right partner isn’t going to tell you to tone it down—they’re going to love you for it.

So, be bold, be fearless, be unapologetically you. Be the kind of woman who inspires others and who isn’t afraid to make a statement. There’s nothing more powerful than a woman who knows her worth and isn’t afraid to show it!

“Dear Woman,
Sometimes you’ll just be too much woman.
Too smart,
Too beautiful,
Too strong.
Too much of something that makes a man feel like less of a man,
Which will make you feel like you have to be less of a woman.
The biggest mistake you can make
Is removing jewels from your crown
To make it easier for a man to carry.
When this happens, I need you to understand
You do not need a smaller crown—
You need a man with bigger hands.”

― Michael Reid

Rise above gender roles and expectations.

it’s time to break free from those outdated gender roles and expectations that society tries to impose on us. Who says you have to be the damsel in distress waiting for a man to rescue you?

Cooking, cleaning, who handles the bills—these things don’t have to be set in stone, and they’re not just your job because you’re the woman. Share the responsibilities, share the joy, share the load.

Drop the ‘he should’ and ‘she would’ labels and find what works for both of you. After all, isn’t that what it’s about? Being equals and being in it together—no matter who does the dishes.

Live your own life, then let him live his, too.

Being in a relationship doesn’t mean you have to be joined at the hip 24/7. In fact, having your own separate lives outside of the relationship is healthy and essential for maintaining a sense of individuality.

Pursue your own hobbies, spend time with your friends, and nurture your own interests. Encourage your partner to do the same! Having this space allows you both to grow as individuals and brings new experiences and perspectives to the relationship.

Remember, absence makes the heart grow fonder! Spend. Let him miss you a bit, and enjoy that little jolt of joy when you reunite.

"This one may seem counter-intuitive, but sometimes the best way to grow closer together is to spend some time apart... Taking time alone doesn't have to be sad or scary. It can be as simple as each of you taking dedicating some time to explore a favorite hobby, or otherwise grow as an individual. 

Typical signs that you could use a break from your partner include:

- Constant bickering with one another.
- Feeling anxious without your partner close by.
- Becoming frustrated easily with your partner or vice versa.
-Time spent together has begun to seem lackluster.

— Dan Johnson, LPC-S | Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor, Reid Counseling

Don’t settle for less.

Listen, you are a queen, and you deserve to be treated like one!

I know the dating world can be rough. I know it can feel like all the good ones are taken or like you’ll never find someone who truly gets you. But I promise you, your person is out there. And they are so worth waiting for.

So don’t lower your standards, my loves. Don’t convince yourself that you should just be grateful for whatever scraps of affection you can get. Hold out for the kind of love that sets your soul on fire and makes you feel like the absolute best version of yourself.

See how he is when he’s not in his best mood.

Nobody’s perfect, and everyone has their off days. But how your partner handles their bad days can tell you a lot about their character. Pay attention to how they behave when they’re stressed, frustrated, or angry.

Do they lash out? Do they shut down? Or do they communicate their feelings in a healthy way? How someone behaves under pressure reveals their true colors. If your partner becomes verbally or emotionally abusive when they’re upset, that’s a major red flag.

You want someone who can handle stress without losing their temper or being a jerk. That’s the kind of guy you can count on, no matter what.

"If you have to "teach someone" to be kind, considerate, loving, respectful, and affectionate towards you it means you are with the wrong person!

The goal is to find someone who already is the kind of person you want to be with. Most people want to be loved and appreciated for who they are. Generally speaking, people don't change unless they are unhappy."

— Kevin Darné | Founder, Love Alert 911 | Author, My Cat Won’t Bark! (A Relationship Epiphany)

If someone shows you their true colors, believe them.

Girl, we’ve all been there. You meet someone interesting. They’re smooth, they’re witty, and they’ve got that vibe that just pulls you in. But hold up, lovely, because soon enough, there’s a little something he does or says that sets off that tiny alarm in your head—well, just a little.

Now hear me out: When people show you who they are, believe them—the first time. Not the second, not after they’ve hurt you a dozen times. The first.

It’s so tempting to slap on those rose-colored glasses and make excuses for them or rationalize their actions, “Oh, he’s just having a bad day,” or “She didn’t really mean it.”

Don’t brush them aside, hoping they’ll magically change—they won’t! Those little actions, they’re like previews of what’s to come. No need to sit through the whole film if the trailer gives you the heebie-jeebies!

...I’ve noticed that unlike men who actually do tend to trust their instincts, women will often talk themselves out of their own gut intuition—often with disastrous consequences.

Many of my female patients present for therapy... are involved with guys who are narcissists or emotional manipulators... nearly all these women say that they wished they’d listened to their instincts and paid attention to the red flags they dismissed or rationalized away early on.

Narcissists, incidentally, are incredibly charming but are emotionally cold and lack empathy. One early warning sign that you are dating a narcissist is that they discuss their issues in inappropriately lengthy detail, but become impatient, disinterested, irritated and/or dismissive when you try to talk about your own concerns.

— Dr. Nancy Lee | Clinical Psychologist | Author, Don't Sleep with Him Yet: A Badass Guide to Dating in 10 Empowering Steps

If they hit you once, they’ll hit you again.

If they hit you once, it’s one time too many. Don’t stand for it, don’t rationalize it, and don’t you dare think it’s a one-off. The barrier has been crossed, and who’s to say it won’t happen again?

And listen, this doesn’t just apply to situations where they’re angry or frustrated. It includes those times when they playfully hit you, shove you, or do anything that makes you feel uncomfortable or unsafe.

You might think, “Oh, it’s just a joke, they don’t mean it, right?” Honey, no. Think about this: if they’re comfortable using physical force against you in a “playful” way, what’s stopping them from doing it when they’re angry, jealous, or under the influence?

Abuse is never okay, and it’s never your fault. Don’t fall for the trap of believing their apologies or promises that it will never happen again. The chances are it will happen again, and it could escalate into something even worse.

Please promise yourself that if you ever find yourself in that situation, reach out. Talk to someone—friends, family, professionals. There’s a whole team out there ready to catch you. You’re strong, phenomenal, and oh-so-deserving of a love that guards you, not harms you.

It’s not your job to make him feel like a man.

You are not responsible for making your man feel manly. That’s his job, not yours.

In a good relationship, both people should feel secure in who they are. You shouldn’t have to constantly boost his ego or make him feel like someone he’s not. If he’s always looking to you to make him feel good about himself, that’s a red flag.

Your job is to be a supportive partner who encourages him to be his best self. Not to try to change him into some perfect version of what a “real man” should be. You don’t have to make yourself smaller just to make him feel bigger.

Leave the table if respect is no longer being served.

If respect is absent from your relationship’s menu, then, honey, it’s time to leave that table. You wouldn’t stay at a restaurant that serves cold, unappetizing food, would you? Apply the same rule here.

Talk things out if there’s a slip-up – everyone’s human. But, there should be a genuine effort to make things right. If disrespect keeps showing up, it’s a sign that being with him isn’t the place for you.

Keep your head held high, and never settle for less than you’re worth. And let’s say you do have to walk away—know that it’s not a loss; it’s you choosing better for yourself.

The more chances you give, the less it is valued.

We all want to believe the best in the people we love. We want to give them the benefit of the doubt, to trust that they’ll change, to hope that this time will be different. And to a certain extent, that kind of optimism and faith is a beautiful thing.

But then, the reality is the more chances you give someone to hurt you, disappoint you, or take you for granted, the less they’ll value the gift of your forgiveness. They’ll start to see it as a given, something they can count on no matter how badly they behave or how little effort they put into the relationship.

So, my loves, here’s my advice: give people a chance to make mistakes and learn from them, but don’t make excuses for repeated bad behavior or broken promises.

If someone keeps showing you that they’re not willing to do the work to be a better partner, believe them—and love yourself enough to walk away and make space for someone who will cherish your heart the way it deserves.

Don’t worry about labels.

Okay, so we live in a world obsessed with labels—girlfriend, boyfriend, partner, etc. I get you, it’s totally normal to want to put a label on your relationship at some point—it can make things feel more official and secure.

But here’s the thing: labels aren’t everything.

In the early stages of a relationship, it’s okay to just go with the flow and see where things lead. You don’t need to rush to DTR (define the relationship) right away. Just focus on getting to know each other, having fun, and paying attention to how they treat you.

When the time feels right, you can go all in on those labels. But until then, let things flow naturally. There’s no one-size-fits-all in love, and the right title will come when the story feels ready for it. Easy does it.

Be together for the right reasons.

Why are you with your partner? Like, really, truly, deep-down why?

• Is it because they make you laugh until your face hurts, support your dreams like they’re their own, and love you for all that you are, flaws and all?
• Or is it because you’re afraid of being alone, crave the social status of being coupled up, or feel like you “should” be in a relationship?

If your reasons fall more into that second category, it might be time to do some soul-searching. Because here’s the thing: being with someone for the wrong reasons is like building a house on quicksand. It might look cute on the outside, but it’s only a matter of time before things start to sink.

Have a solid talk before you decide to say “YES.”

Big decisions like moving in together, getting engaged, or any other kind of “yes” need a good, solid talk beforehand. Make sure you’re both clear on what saying “yes” means and that you’re ready for what’s next.

Getting all this out in the open means you’re going into the next chapter with your eyes wide open. So, have those heart-to-hearts, and if it all aligns, then you can go for that “yes” with all your heart.

Your body, your rules.

Your body is yours, and the rules are yours to make. This includes everything from what you wear and how you express yourself to your sexual choices and reproductive decisions.

A respectful partner will understand and support your choices without trying to control or dictate what you do with your body. And remember, you have the right to say “no” to anything that makes you feel uncomfortable, whether it’s a certain type of touch, a sexual act, or anything else that crosses your boundaries.

Don’t skip the sex talk!

Let’s talk about sex, baby!

Talking about your sex life might make you blush a little… too much—but believe me, this one’s important. Just like you’d plan for date nights and anniversaries, make space for this conversation, too.

This includes everything from your preferences in the bedroom to your sexual health and birth control choices. Remember, both partners should feel comfortable and empowered to express their needs and concerns without judgment.

Consent is everything.

When it comes to sex and intimacy, you gotta wait for consent before moving forward—Every. Single. Time.

If you’re ever unsure about whether your partner is truly consenting, stop and ask! And lastly, consent goes both ways.

Safe sex is the best sex.

To have fun and enjoy intimacy is awesome, but it’s super important to prioritize safety, too! Safe sex means taking steps to protect yourself and your partner from STIs and unintended pregnancy. And there are so many ways to do it!

When you’re not worrying about STIs or pregnancy, you can relax and really enjoy the moment. Remember, taking care of your sexual health is an act of self-love and empowers you to have a fulfilling and worry-free sex life.

Love doesn’t need to be perfect. It just needs to be true.

Repeat after me: perfection is overrated. Those picture-perfect, fairytale romances we see in movies? Yeah, they’re not exactly realistic.

Love isn’t about finding perfect moments, it’s about finding real moments. It’s about those unplanned, un-Instagrammable, laugh-until-your-belly-hurts moments. True love is messy and complicated, and it definitely doesn’t always look glamorous—but who cares!

So, ditch the idea of perfect love and embrace the beautiful messiness of real relationships. Look for a love that makes you laugh, supports your dreams, and makes you feel safe and loved. A love that’s perfectly imperfect but is always true.

Love is a feeling, but love is also a verb.

It’s true—love is the butterflies-in-your-stomach, the can’t-stop-smiling emotion, the whole shebang. But here’s the thing: love isn’t just a feeling. It’s also an action, a choice that we make every single day.

So, don’t just chase the feeling of love—embrace the action of love, too. 

The right relationship will never distract you from your dreams.

Your goals, your passions, your ambitions—they’re a huge part of who you are. And the right partner? They’ll never ask you to dim your light or put your dreams on hold. In fact, they’ll be your biggest cheerleader!

Whether it’s pursuing a career change, traveling the world, or starting a family, the right person will be right there beside you, cheering you on and working with you to make those dreams a reality.

Remember, a fulfilling relationship is one that inspires you to grow, both individually and as a couple. So, find someone who believes in your dreams just as much as you do. You got this!

Don’t say you’re okay when you are not.

Girls, can we all just agree to stop saying “I’m fine” when we’re anything but? Trying to be the cool girl, the chill girl, hiding our hurt because we don’t want to ‘make a scene’ or ‘be too much’?

But you know what? It’s okay not to be okay!

If something’s up, speak out. Bottling things can turn you into a pressured soda bottle—shake too much and pop! Sticky mess everywhere. Instead, let’s try:

• “I’m feeling a bit down, can we talk?”
• “Something’s been on my mind, and I need to share it with you.”
• “I’m not okay right now, I need a moment.”

Next time you’re on the brink of saying, “I’m fine,” pause. Take that deep breath and be real with how you’re feeling. Anyone who cares about you will want to know what’s up and help you through it.

Don’t have important conversations over text.

Put that phone down! While texting is great for quick check-ins and sending funny memes, it’s not the best way to have important conversations with your partner.

Tone and nuance can easily get lost in translation, leading to misunderstandings and unnecessary conflict. When you talk in person, you get to hear their tone, see their reactions, and really connect.

So, what’s a girl to do? Have those big convos in person (or at least over video chat if you can’t be face-to-face). That way, you can look each other in the eye, hear each other’s voices, and really connect on a deeper level. Plus, it shows your partner that you respect them enough to give them your full, undivided attention.

Stop bringing up the exes.

Girl, let’s leave the past in the past!  I mean, they’re in the past for a reason, right?

Bringing them up over and over again just stirs up old emotions and keeps you stuck in the past. Instead, focus on the present moment and the amazing person you’re with now. Cherish the special connection you share and build a future filled with new memories and experiences.

And hey, if your partner is the one constantly bringing up their ex, have an honest conversation about it. Let them know how it makes you feel, and set clear boundaries. Remember, a healthy relationship is about moving forward together, not dwelling on the past.

Don’t expect they can read your mind.

Men are not mind readers! As much as we might wish they could intuitively know what we’re thinking and feeling, it’s simply not realistic. So, instead of expecting your partner to decipher your every thought and emotion, communicate!

• Share your thoughts—whether they’re big, small, happy, or sad.
• Be clear about your expectations—don’t leave ’em guessing.
• Give them the same openness you want from them—talk, listen, and understand.

Remember, effective communication is essential for any healthy relationship. So, ditch the mind games and speak your truth! Your partner will appreciate your honesty, and it will strengthen your connection in the long run.

"I have found that there are two overarching reasons that we do not communicate honestly with one another—rejection and retaliation. We are afraid of losing our partner’s love and we are fearful of retribution, an “I’ll get you back” attitude.

Women, especially, are socialized to give themselves up for the sake of the relationship, to sacrifice themselves for the other, to be demure, quiet, and passive. This does nothing to foster healthy relationships but leaves both partners feeling misunderstood, frustrated, and emotionally exhausted and confused. So, learn how to assertively speak your truth in love."

— Andrea G. Gurney, Ph.D. | Licensed Clinical Psychologist | Psychology Professor, Westmont College | Author, Reimagining Your Love Story: Biblical and Psychological Practices for Healthy Relationships

You don’t solve problems by sweeping them under the rug.

Challenges are inevitable in any relationship, but how you handle them makes all the difference. Ignoring problems or pretending they don’t exist won’t make them magically disappear. In fact, they’ll likely fester and grow bigger over time.

Is it always easy? Heck no. But is it worth it? Absolutely. When you and your partner learn to tackle problems together, you build a deeper level of trust, respect, and intimacy. You show each other that you’re in this together, no matter what life throws your way.

"One raindrop doesn’t cause a flood. Neither does one fight or one mistake cause a relationship to fail. But a bunch of unresolved little things can lead to a big problem. Deal with little things early and often." 

— Michelle May O’Neil | Divorce Litigator

Break up, if needed.

No one goes into a relationship expecting it to end. We all want that fairy tale, ride-off-into-the-sunset kind of love. But the reality is, not every relationship is meant to last forever.

If a relationship is doing you more harm than good, it’s okay to say goodbye. 

Remember, you deserve to be in a relationship that brings you joy, fulfillment, and love. Don’t be afraid to close one chapter to open the door to a happier and healthier future.

Go to bed angry—if you have to.

I bet you’ve already been told to “never go to bed angry.” It’s like this golden rule of relationships that we’re supposed to follow no matter what. But honestly, sometimes, it’s just not realistic.

We’ve all been there—emotions running high, tempers flaring, and the last thing you want to do is try to have a calm and rational conversation.

And here’s the thing—pushing through and pretending everything is okay when it’s not doesn’t actually solve the problem. It just sweeps it under the rug. And guess what? Those buried emotions have a way of popping up again, often at the worst possible times.

So, if you find yourselves in a situation where emotions are high and resolution seems impossible, it’s okay to hit the pause button. Agree to take a break, cool down, and come back to the conversation later when you’re both calmer and more rational.

Don’t air out relationship problems like dirty laundry.

I get it—when you’re going through a tough time in your relationship, it can be so tempting to vent to your friends, family, or even strangers on the internet. You want to vent, let off steam, and get some advice, which is totally natural.

But listen, once you put something out there, you can’t really take it back. Even if you and your partner work things out, those posts and conversations will still be floating around, and they might change the way people see your relationship moving forward.

That’s not fair to your partner, and it’s not really fair to you, either.

When things get tough, definitely talk to someone, but go for a close friend or a family member who you trust to keep things quiet and give good, helpful thoughts. That way, you can sort out your feelings without making the whole thing a public affair.

Do not bring previous arguments into current ones.

When you’re in the heat of a fresh argument, it can be so tempting to bring up past grievances or unresolved issues. Maybe you’re feeling defensive or like your partner just doesn’t “get it,” so you start throwing out examples of all the other times they’ve let you down or made you feel unheard.

But all it does is distract from the issue at hand and make your partner feel attacked and unwilling to engage. It distracts from the current issue and creates a cycle of negativity that’s hard to break.

You want to solve this problem, not start another one. So, keep it focused, and you’ll find it’s a lot easier to come to an understanding.

Of course, if there are underlying issues or patterns that keep coming up, it’s important to address those, too—but it’s best to do that in a separate conversation when you’re both feeling calm and clear-headed. That way, you can give each issue the time and attention it deserves without getting sidetracked or letting things escalate into a full-blown shouting match.

You’re not always right.

Alright, girls, it’s time for some tough love: you are not always right. I know, I know—it’s a hard pill to swallow, especially when you’re in the middle of a heated argument, and you’re convinced that your perspective is the only valid one.

But the truth is, we all make mistakes, we all have blind spots, and we all have room for growth and improvement.

Think about it: when your partner makes a mistake or hurts your feelings, chances are, you don’t want them to get defensive, make excuses, or try to turn the tables on you. You want them to listen to your perspective, acknowledge the impact of their actions, and express genuine remorse and a desire to do better.

Well, guess what? Your partner wants the same thing from you! When you’re able to say things like, “I’m sorry, I messed up,” or “You’re right, I wasn’t being fair,” you show your partner that you value their feelings and that you’re willing to put the health of the relationship above your own ego.

If your heart has been broken nine times, muster the courage to love again for the tenth.

Heartbreak hurts, there’s no denying it. It can leave you feeling shattered, lost, and afraid to open your heart again. But closing yourself off to love doesn’t protect you from future pain; it just prevents you from experiencing the joy and fulfillment that comes with a loving relationship.

So, if you’ve been hurt in the past, allow yourself to heal, learn from those experiences, and then muster the courage to love again. Don’t let past heartbreaks define your future or rob you of the opportunity to find true happiness.

Remember, your heart is resilient. It can mend, it can grow stronger, and it can love again, even more deeply than before. So, open yourself up to the possibility of love and have faith that the right person is out there waiting to cherish your heart.

Keep the spark alive.

Every relationship has that honeymoon phase, but keeping the spark alive over the long haul? That’s the real romance.

Stoke the fires of love with:

• Make time for regular date nights.
• Try new things together.
• Find ways to surprise and delight each other.
• Leaving sweet notes.
• Planning surprise outings.
• Simply cuddling up on the couch for a movie night.

Remember, a little effort goes a long way in keeping the flame burning bright. So, get creative, have fun, and prioritize keeping the spark alive in your relationship!

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Final Thoughts

Phew, that was a lot of ground to cover! But I hope you’re walking away from this article feeling a little more confident, a little more empowered, and a whole lot more ready to tackle this crazy little thing called love.

At the end of the day, relationships don’t come with a manual. What works for one person might not work for another, so take these tips with a grain of salt and trust your own heart above all else.

But whatever advice you choose to follow, I hope you always keep ‘Y-O-U’ high on your priority list. Because when you flourish, your relationships have a way of doing the same. Go out there and love boldly, wisely, and, most importantly, love yourself just as fiercely.