It Can’t Be All About You: How Athletes Can Support Their Partner's Dreams and Lives Too

 👉 As an athlete, a lot of life revolves around you — your training, games, recovery, travel, and pressure. 

👉 And while that’s part of the job, it’s easy to forget that your partner has a life, dreams, struggles, and wins too. 

👉 If everything always comes back to you, your partner may start to feel invisible — like their life doesn’t matter as much.

💥 Here’s how to turn that around — and be the kind of partner who supports BOTH of you, so your relationship grows strong, not one-sided.

1. First: Why This Matters (If You Want to Keep a Healthy Relationship)

👉 When everything is about you:

 🚩 Your partner feels neglected or unimportant. 

🚩 They stop sharing their life with you — because it feels like you don’t care. 

🚩 They start to resent your career, even if they love you. 

🚩 You lose the chance to have a real teammate in life — because you’re not acting like one.

💥 Love is about being there for each other — not just one person. 

💥 If you want a relationship that lasts, their life has to matter as much as yours.

2. Step 1: Check Yourself — Is It Always About You?

👉 Take a real look at how your relationship feels:

 💭 “When we talk, is it always about my day, my training, my problems?” 

💭 “Do I know what my partner is working on, dreaming about, or struggling with?”

 💭 “When was the last time I asked about them without talking about me?”

💥 If you don’t know the answers — that’s a sign it’s time to change.

3. Step 2: Ask About Their Life — and Really Listen

👉 Make space for their story.

 💬 “How’s work been for you lately?” 

💬 “What’s something exciting you’re working on right now?” 

💬 “What’s been tough for you this week?”

👉 Then listen. Like, really listen. Not half-scrolling on your phone, not thinking about your next game — but listening to understand.

💥 Making them feel heard is HUGE.

4. Step 3: Celebrate Their Wins — Big and Small

 👉 You get celebrated when you win a game or hit a new goal. 

👉 They deserve that same hype for their wins.

 💬 “I’m so proud of you for getting that promotion!” 

💬 “That’s amazing you finished that project — I know you worked hard for it.”

💥 When you cheer them on, they feel valued — and your bond grows.

5. Step 4: Make Time for Their Important Moments — Not Just Yours

 👉 You expect them to show up for your games and big days. 

👉 Make sure you show up for them too:

 ✅ Celebrating their birthday. 

✅ Being there for an important event (like a job interview, family thing). 

✅ Checking in when they’re having a rough day.

💬 “Your big day matters to me — I want to be there for you.”

💥 It’s not just about your season — their life deserves space too.

6. Step 5: Ask About Their Dreams — and Support Them

👉 Maybe you’re chasing your dream in sports — but what’s theirs?

 💬 “What’s something you want to do for yourself?” 

💬 “What’s a goal you have that I can support you in?”

👉 Help them make space for their dreams too — even if your life is busy.

💥 Love is about growing together — not just one person moving forward while the other stands still.

7. Step 6: Be Honest When You Can’t Show Up — but Make an Effort to Be Present When You Can

👉 Sometimes you really can’t be there — but don’t let that be an excuse all the time.

💬 “I hate that I can’t be there for that — I’m with you in spirit. Can we plan something to celebrate after?”

👉 But when you CAN show up — do it. Be all in.

💥 Presence matters. Effort matters.

8. Step 7: Remind Them They Matter — Even in Your Busy World

👉 Sometimes they just need to hear it.

💬 “I know my life is a lot sometimes, but you matter to me. I see you, and I want us to grow together.”

👉 Don’t assume they know — say it.

💥 Feeling seen and valued keeps love strong.

9. Final Words — A Great Partner Makes Space for Both Lives, Not Just Theirs

 💥 You deserve to chase your dream — but they deserve love, support, and space for theirs too. 

💥 The best relationships are a team — where BOTH people’s lives and dreams matter. 

💥 If you want love that lasts, give them what you want for yourself: care, respect, attention, and support.

10. Take These Reminders With You

 ❤️ “Love is a team, not a solo game.” 

❤️ “Their dreams matter as much as mine.” 

❤️ “I deserve support, but so do they.” 

❤️ “Being busy doesn’t mean I stop caring.” 

❤️ “If I want to be celebrated, I need to celebrate them too.”