Like most people who find themselves to be a 'perfectionist', I am always trying to be a better version of myself. Whether it's by being a better friend, teammate, coworker, or student, learning to grow and better ourselves is never an easy process. And one of the most important aspects of our life that requires continuous progression is our personal relationships.

We're always told that changing for the person you're dating is a negative thing, but I don't think that's necessarily true. In my opinion, the people we who are worth dating are the people who should help us change us for the better. Like most things in life, that change can only happen if we are open to it's benefits.

In order for a relationship to change us for the better, you have to want to make that change for yourself.

When you find someone you truly love, then you want to be the very best for them. Since every relationship is different, that means being the best for your boyfriend is also different for every relationship, but there are a few things that every girl can try in order to be a better half in their relationship. Here are five simple steps to being a better girlfriend.

1. Accept his apology the first time he gives it

No relationship and no boyfriend is ever perfect. We all make mistakes, so apologies are just another part of life, but one of the hardest things about being in a relationship is learning to accept these apologies the first time they're given. It's unfortunately true that the people we care about the most are also usually the people we are hardest on. So, when your boyfriend does something that hurts you, it tends to be more upsetting then if it had been done by someone else. It can be all too easy to lose your temper and hold onto that anger longer than is necessary.

One easy way to be a better girlfriend is to start accepting your boyfriends apology the first time he gives it. Even when you're angry, you have to think about the person you truly love. Although they may have hurt you, that is not a good reason for you to hurt them back. If they genuine love you, then they already feel bad enough. Don't be the one to make them feel worse. Be the one to forgive and move forward. It's what you would want him to do for you, so you should do the same in return.

2. Spend some time only talking about him

I think it's fair to say that in most relationships the girls tend to talk more, while the boyfriends usually listen. But every once in awhile, there are things that he wants to talk about, too. Another easy step to being a better girlfriend is learning to really listen. Really listening means letting him talk without interrupting him, or interjecting your own opinion on things. Most women talk because they just want someone to hear them. They don't always want advice, and sometimes they don't even need a response.

So try giving your boyfriend that same opportunity. You might be surprised by how many things he has to say.

3. Remember to thank him, even for the little things

Great boyfriends are certainly not easy to come by, and the best ones tend to go above and beyond your normal expectations. Although you remember to thank him for all of the major things, how often do you thank him for the small stuff? Of course we say thank you for the fancy dinners, the tickets to movies or concerts, and all the big date nights in between; but great boyfriends are the ones who do small things, like bringing you a slushie while you're at work or doing the dishes for you after it's been a long day. They aren't glamorous favors, but they probably meant the most to you because he did them without being asked. They're small things, but they make your life just a little bit easier. So remember to say thank you because I promise it will mean the most to him.

4. Encourage him to form and grow his other relationships

When you're happy in your relationship, it's easy to get caught up in it all. Without even realizing it, you start to spend all of your time together. Although it might seem to build your relationship at first, it will more than likely hurt your relationship in the end. Spending time with friends and family is a good thing. Our relationships often determine who we are and how we handle challenges in life. Having that close circle of friends you trust and value can only make both of you better people. So, an easy way to be a better girlfriend is to not only understand he has other people in his life but also encourage him to spend time with them. Instead of waiting for your boyfriend to hear from his friends, tell him to reach out to them first. Remind him that although you love getting his time and attention, you don't need to have all of it.

5. Don't just say I love you, remind him why you love him

Finally, one of the simplest ways to be a better girlfriend is to remind your boyfriend why you love him. After you've been dating for awhile, it's easy to say I love you. We say it without even thinking about it most of the time! So although we love hearing someone say I love you, it means even more when they remind you why. Say more then just the usual things, like because you're smart, funny, kind, and all of the other adjectives we tend to use. Try being more original. Say things like you love him because of specific things he does, like cooking you dinner. Remind him how much you love the way he sings along with the radio when he thinks you're not paying attention. One of the best feelings in life is realizing that someone loves you for the things you may not even love about yourself. So take the time to remind your boyfriend that you love him for truly being him. He's the best boyfriend you could ever ask for, and reminding him of that will make you a better girlfriend, too.