Love Better: Work Towards That Happy Ending

Sure, you’re a catch. But you can make your relationship skills A+ by working on these four great-mate traits—even while you’re single.

- Andrea Bartz

Even if your dating profile boasts that you’re a “damn good plus-one,” there have def been times when you’ve questioned your relationship savvy (“Am I cut out for this?!”), just like everyone else who’s ever dated. But why wonder when you can easily work on being a kick-butt partner while you’re single? Start now by cultivating these key skills from psychology researcher Robert Epstein, PhD, who’s examined the relationship successes of more than 25,000 people.

1. SAY WHAT YOU THINK

The ability to talk about your needs calmly and effectively (and listen to those of your partner) is the best predictor of whether you’ll make a great girlfriend, according to Epstein’s research. If you hesitate to speak up or disagree with others, then it’s worth working on your communication skills. You want to get to a point where “there’s a fluid back-and-forth and you feel comfortable bringing up a serious topic,” says clinical psychologist Jill P. Weber, PhD, author of Building Self-Esteem 5 Steps.