I used to think that a supportive partner or friend was someone who constantly told me I was awesome and championed my every idea. But after 11 years of marriage, I've come to see that there are many iterations of support, all equally valuable in a relationship. Some are more overt and other have a way of sneaking up on you — which means you could be missing some of the signs you're in a supportive relationship. No matter which way it is coming at you, feeling supported is a crucial part of any successful twosome.
There are few things more satisfying that knowing the people you care about have your best interest at heart. They show they love and respect you when they extend their support. Although it may not always be what you want to hear, real support means saying the truth with the best of intentions. When you receive this type of reinforcement, it spurs you on to extend the same type of support to the people in your life. In the ideal scenario, you and your partner are both equally supportive up one another.
These nine signs you're in a supportive relationship show how standing by and lifting up the person you care about make all the difference.