How do you know if you've found the right person for a long-term, healthy relationship? While we all need and desire different things from our relationships and lives, there are a few things to be on the lookout for before committing to something long-term.
If you’re wondering what to look out for in a potential partner, here are a few things to keep in mind.
The right partner is someone you can communicate with easily.
In choosing a lifelong partner, consider the way you communicate with one another. Is the communication open and honest? Has it improved since you've started dating if it wasn't so easy before?
According to leading relationship experts, communication is one of the foundational aspects of the harmonization of relationships. Without it, real challenges will ultimately arise. The core of a happy, healthy relationship is an open flow of thoughts and feelings, free from fear of judgment, anger, and resentment. So, choose a partner you can communicate within a nurturing way, giving mutual acceptance of each other's thoughts and feelings.
Set standards and boundaries.
The standards and boundaries we set are essential but can easily be put aside at the offer of a long-term relationship. In looking for a long term partner, take some time to first ask yourself the following about what your standards are:
What's the most important thing to you in a partner and a relationship?
What are you unwilling to compromise on?
What are your values?
What kind of person do you want to be beside you in your lowest moments?
How do you feel most supported and loved?
Once you've prioritized your standards, consider what behaviors and activities you are and aren't willing to accept. These are your boundary lines or one of the primary ways to communicate what's expected from our partners as our relationship ages and changes over time. Embrace your right to be treated with respect, honor, and compassion. Then, look for someone who can openly embrace these things.
Establish a clear view of the future.
What comes to mind when you envision your future? With or without a partner, what do you want your life to look like when you look back on it? Taking time to pinpoint some of the things you want from your future is essential in choosing a partner. Long term relationships aren't those in which you like the same hobbies, but those in which both of you have a smiler vision for the future and overarching goals.
Ask yourself; What kind of life is fulfilling to you? Do you want to build a family or travel the world? While there's no right or wrong answer, the important thing is to be honest, and stay true to yourself. Establishing a clear vision of your future can help you better identify the type of person who's ready to enter your life for the long haul.
Learn how to meet your own needs.
Are you looking for a long-term partner that'll do all of the heavy lifting while you sit in the passenger seat? Being able to meet your own needs without relying on someone else to do it for you is a powerful thing. It fosters a sense of independence and helps you realize your self-worth on your own. Take a step back and ask yourself whether you're seeking a long-term relationship out of wanting or out of need? The answer can make a big difference.
Putting it all together
When it comes to building a long-term relationship, there are specific qualities we should be looking for in our partners. These specifics are important, from confidence to a sense of humor, they are essential, but they aren't the bottom line. To bring the right person in our lives for love, we must first learn how to love ourselves and become the type of partner we want.
Keywords: long term partner, healthy relationships
Sources
