When you are trying to choose somebody to spend the rest of your life with, there are a multitude of things that you are likely looking for in them, and they in you. But, at the most basic level, it has to be a healthy relationship that provides the warmth, love, and intimacy needed for a happy life together.
Although every person has the little things that they look for as their ‘type,’ every partner must have a sturdy foundation. Without the most basic building blocks of a relationship, it will eventually topple over and leave you alone, no matter how closely they fit your idea of the ideal partner.
5 Things To Look For In Your Partner
This is only the bare minimum to maintain a healthy relationship, and there are certainly many more attributes out there, but these are the top five things to look for in a life partner:
- Similar Values
- Open to Communication
- Emotional Intelligence
- Trust
- Compatible & Adaptable
Similar Values:
Having a similar system of values is vital for a healthy and long-lasting relationship. It will be easier to navigate conflicts and make important decisions as a couple if you are on the same page. On top of that, it means that you will be able to understand each other better and get into fewer conflicts as a whole because you will be relatively on the same side of things.
Couples who do not have common values face difficulty adjusting to each other and resolving issues, usually breaking the relationship in two.
Open to Communication:
Being able to communicate effectively with your partner is essential for a healthy relationship. Look for someone who is open and willing to have difficult conversations and who can express themselves clearly and respectfully. If your partner is open to talking instead of letting situations fester and blow up, you two can resolve your issues and avoid complications and rifts in your relationship.
Emotional Intelligence:
It is important to be with someone who can recognize and understand their own emotions, as well as those of others. This will mean a relationship with empathy and understanding. If your partner cannot understand or is not willing to understand your emotions, you cannot benefit from the emotional intimacy a relationship is supposed to bring, because there will be none.
Trust:
Trust is essential in any relationship. Look for somebody honest and reliable, who follows through on their commitments. Trust is the backbone of any relationship, and no true partnership can function if you cannot trust each other. You need to be able to rely on each other, even when times get tough.
If you are with a person you are not sure you can trust, you cannot have a healthy relationship. You will spend the rest of your life doubting them and yourself.
Compatible & Adaptable:
You and your partner don’t need to have all the same interests and hobbies. You’re not dating your twin, after all. But, it is important to have some level of compatibility to have a fulfilling relationship. Look for somebody whose goals, lifestyle, and personality mesh well with your own. You need to be able to compromise and adjust for each other without having to bend over backward to do so.
The bottom line is, be yourself when looking for a life partner, so you’ll be in a better position to find the person that fits you best. Keep your future in mind, not just the here and now. Ask yourself if this person is somebody you can see yourself spending the rest of your life with if they fit these criteria.
