Today, more people are seeking what dating experts call a “hype partner,” someone who lifts them up and supports their dreams. Of course, this should be the bare minimum expectation in dating, but it hasn’t always been the case.
And contrary to what you might believe, you don’t need to run a marathon or climb Mount Everest to deserve a hype partner. In fact, the right person will make you feel extraordinary for simply being yourself.
What Is a ‘Hype Partner’?
A hype partner is exactly what it sounds like: a partner who hypes you up. Basically, they’re your own personal cheerleader—your biggest fan.
Writing a book? They’re refilling your coffee every few hours. Training for a marathon? They’re meal-prepping and buying you the most comfortable running shoes. Starting a podcast? They’re promoting it all over their social media pages.
The most important part? When you’re feeling discouraged or insecure in your pursuits, they remind you exactly who you are, how far you’ve come, and that you’re capable of achieving your wildest dreams.
We all crave a hype partner in life. I mean, what’s the point of dating someone who doesn’t encourage your passions and celebrate your success? If your partner withholds that energy from you—or worse: belittles your hard work and accomplishments—ask yourself how the relationship is serving you.
A hype partner should make you feel loved, adored, supported—exactly as you deserve to feel. However, don’t confuse this with someone who blindly enables all that you are/do. Hype partners can—and should—still hold you accountable when it matters. They’re not a “yes man”; rather, they recognize your potential, fuel your confidence, and push you to chase your dreams.
Reciprocity With Your Partner
In today’s dating world, many people are so concerned with how their partner is showing up for them that they fail to consider what they’re giving in return. It’s great to have high standards for your dating prospects, but make sure you meet those standards, too.
If you’re in a relationship with a hype partner, return that energy to them. Express interest in their hobbies, and encourage them to reach for the stars—the same way they do for you. In fact, by modeling hype partner tendencies, you’re naturally teaching your partner how to show up for you properly.
How to Become the Best Hype Partner for Your Person
Want to be a hype partner for your person? Here are some ways to express unwavering love and support.
Become a Teammate
Think of yourself and your partner as a team. You’re tackling life together, as a unit.
Now, ask yourself: how would you support a teammate? Likely, you’d do your part in making their life—or their responsibilities on the team—easier. You’d cheer them on, encourage them to keep pushing through challenges, and pick up the slack when they’re having an off day.
This is exactly how you want to show up as a hype partner in your relationship.
Acknowledge Their Hard Work
Don’t hold off on your support until your partner has accomplished their goals. Instead, recognize their consistency and determination. For example, maybe they’ve been applying to jobs for weeks, attempting to forge a new career path, yet they still haven’t heard back from a hiring manager.
Rather than waiting until they get an interview request or land a role, continue to acknowledge their hard work and hustle. Show them continuous support throughout the process. This will help prevent them from feeling discouraged in their relentless pursuit.
Sometimes, all we need is for someone to notice our effort and resilience.
Celebrate All Wins
From small victories to massive wins, celebrate every chapter of your partner’s success story. Don’t wait until their book is published, they get a promotion, or they release an album to commemorate their hard work. Recognize the progress they make along the way, and make them feel special for all the little things they do.
The post How to Be a ‘Hype Partner’ for Your Person (and Improve Your Relationship) appeared first on VICE.
