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The first time you say those three magic words, the world shines just a little brighter. “I love you” will change the state of your relationship and cement it into something long-term, but is that always a good thing? You may want to learn the early signs of a good relationship so you won’t have to wonder.
It’s hard to know where a relationship is heading when it’s just beginning. Everything is new and fun, but that doesn’t mean you’re right for each other. If relationships have hurt you in the past, you may wonder if your current partner is worth your time. Should you stay or should you protect your heart?
The next time you start to wonder about these things, look for these six early signs you might be in a good relationship. They’re a good indicator that your relationship is something that will stand the test of time, no matter what life has in store for both of you.
The right partner makes life more interesting, even when you’re not trying to do something fun. When you go grocery shopping or refill your gas tank, they should find ways to make you smile. Whether they make you laugh or do things a different way, the person who holds your heart should make you look forward to doing the little things in life with them. You might take turns planning dates for one another to build your trust in each other, for example. No matter what you do, it should be fun.
After you get through the awkward first date questions where you get to know each other, you should always feel comfortable around your significant other. They should cheer you on in your hobbies and interests or embrace the unique parts of your personality. If you’re uncomfortable to talk about or do something in front of them, they may not be the right person for you.
When you fight with someone you don’t like, you may use the opportunity to bring up their past mistakes or tear them down with endless insults. When you love someone, resolving the conflict is more important than the idea of winning an argument. You and your partner should work together to resolve any explosive fight and find peace, even if it means admitting you were wrong.
Sometimes people fall into the habit of starting a relationship with the idea that they can change their partner or themselves. Even if you explain it away as improving your bad habits or helping your partner mature, a long-lasting relationship is about loving who you’re with because of who they are. Don’t focus on who they’ll become. Be their cheerleader for their personal growth, but don’t try to force it to happen.
When you or your partner make a plan, it’s essential to stick with it. If your significant other is great with commitment about things like dinner dates, it helps build trust. Lasting relationships require both partners to build trust and encourage vulnerability because it results in intimacy. Without trust, there’s little chance for a relationship to thrive at any stage.
You may see couples who post on social media about being together all the time. They seemingly can’t go more than a day or two without meeting up, which could be unhealthy.
No one should ever depend on their partner’s attention and time to make them happy. If you and your significant other are okay with space, that’s a great sign that you’re falling in love while maintaining a healthy sense of independence.
These are all great signs that your relationship will turn out to be something great. You should love your partner unconditionally while still being okay with time alone and doing the boring things in life. Still, if your gut tells you that something is wrong even when you can check off everything on this list, listen to it. You’re the only one who’s in that relationship and can sense if it’s the right thing for you.
