
“And I’d choose you; in a hundred lifetimes, in a hundred worlds, in any version of reality, I’d find you, and I’d choose you.” ―Kiersten White
Sheila and Phil are life partners whose phenomenal love story inspires me. They absolutely adore each other and their relationship gives justice to this article.
They met in their early 20s and started dating shortly after.
They both knew they wanted to get married one day, but they also knew they needed to gain some life experience first. So they took their time, enjoying the single life and traveling the world together.
Eventually, they both decided they were ready to settle down and start a family. They got married and had two beautiful children together. They now live happily ever after and are still madly in love with each other.
Just like any other love story, they had their own share of problems and misunderstandings. But what made their relationship strong was their ability to communicate with each other and work things out.
They had already determined that they each had what the other sought in a life partner.
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If you are currently in a relationship or if you are looking for one, here are 9 common things that most people are looking for in a life partner:
1. Someone who is honest
“Honesty is more than not lying. It is truth telling, truth speaking, truth living, and truth loving.” — James E. Faust
One of the most important things in a relationship is honesty. You want someone who will be honest with you about everything, whether it’s something good or bad. Honesty is the foundation of a strong and healthy relationship.
According to love coach and therapist , Andrea Amour, “When we are able to be authentic and honest with our partner about our thoughts, feelings, needs, wants, desires, and fears — good or bad — we create a safe space for intimacy and vulnerability.”
Here is how you can improve your honesty radar:
· Take note of how you feel when your partner is being honest with you. Does it make you feel good or bad?
· Observe how your partner reacts when you are being honest with them. Are they open and receptive or do they get defensive?
· If your partner is not being honest with you, what are the consequences? Are they minor or major?
This can help you become a better judge of honesty in others.
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2. Someone who makes you laugh
“I love people who make me laugh. I honestly think it’s the thing I like most, to laugh. It cures a multitude of ills. It’s probably the most important thing in a person.” — Audrey Hepburn
Another important thing to look for in a partner is someone who makes you laugh. Laughter is an important ingredient in any relationship. It can help reduce stress, make you feel happier, and even improve your health.
A study conducted by scientists at the University of Maryland found that couples who laughed together had higher levels of the bonding hormone oxytocin.
So, if you want a happy and healthy relationship, look for someone who can make you laugh.
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3. Someone who is supportive
“If you have at least one person genuinely supporting you, you’re blessed. Being blessed is to be considered as divine and of sovereignty.” — Unknown
In a relationship, you also want someone who will be supportive of you. This means being there for you during the good times and the bad times. A supportive partner will be your biggest fan and will always have your back.
A good life partner will be supportive of you, no matter what. They will encourage you to pursue your dreams and reach your goals. A supportive partner will make you feel like you can do anything.
According to Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Holly Richmond, “We all need someone who believes in us even when we don’t quite believe in ourselves.” A supportive partner, not an abusive one.
Here are some ways to know if your partner is supportive:
· Do they make an effort to understand your dreams and goals?
· Do they encourage you to pursue your dreams?
· Do they help you when you’re feeling down?
· Do they make an effort to spend time with you?
If your partner is supportive, they will make an effort to understand what’s important to you and they will be there for you when you need them.
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4. Someone who is respectful
“Respect is for those who deserve not for those who demand it.” — Paulo Coelho
A good partner will always respect you. They will listen to you and treat you with kindness. They will never try to control or manipulate you. A healthy relationship is built on mutual respect.
As psychologist and author Judy Ho says, “When we love and respect ourselves, we naturally also show that same love and respect towards our partner.”
Here are some ways to know if your partner respects you:
· Do they listen to you when you talk?
· Do they treat you with kindness and compassion?
· Do they make an effort to understand your point of view?
· Do they give you space when you need it?
If your partner respects you, they will listen to you and try to understand your point of view. They will also give you the space you need, when you need it.
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5. Someone who is reliable
“Reliability is the precondition for trust.” — Wolfgang Shaoble
A good partner is someone who is reliable. You can count on them to keep their word and be there when they say they will be. A reliable partner is someone you can depend on.
As relationship expert April Masini says, “When you’re in a relationship with someone who is reliable, you know that you can count on them. You don’t have to worry about them flaking out or not being there when they say they will be.”
Here are some ways to know if your partner is reliable:
· Do they keep their promises?
· Are they always there when they say they will be?
· Do they follow through on their commitments?
· Are they dependable and trustworthy?
If your partner is reliable, you can count on them to keep their word and be there when they say they will be. You won’t have to worry about them flaking out or not being there when you need them.
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6. Someone who is loyal
“Honesty and loyalty are key. If two people can be honest with each other about everything, that’s probably the biggest key to success.” — Taylor Lautner
Loyalty is another important quality to look for in a life partner. You want someone who will be faithful to you and only have eyes for you. Loyalty creates a sense of security in a relationship.
As writer and relationship expert Demetrius Figueroa says, “When you’re with someone who is loyal, you don’t have to worry about them cheating on you or being interested in other people. You know that they are fully committed to you and only have eyes for you.”
Here are some ways to know if your partner is loyal:
· Are they faithful to you?
· Do they only have eyes for you?
· Are they committed to you and your relationship?
· Do they always show up for you?
If your partner is loyal, you won’t have to worry about them cheating on you or being interested in other people. You know that they are fully committed to you and only have eyes for you.
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7. Someone who is kind and caring
“Love and kindness are never wasted. They always make a difference. They bless the one who receives them, and they bless you, the giver.” ― Barbara De Angelis.
When you’re looking for a life partner, you want someone who is kind and caring. You want someone who will be there for you when you need them. A good partner will always try to make things better for you, even when they can’t fix the problem.
As relationship coach Melinda Carver says, “When we love someone, we want what’s best for them. We want to see them happy and we want to help them through tough times.”
Here are some ways to know if your partner is kind and caring:
· Do they go out of their way to help you?
· Do they try to make things better for you, even when they can’t fix the problem?
· Are they always there for you when you need them?
· Do they show you compassion and understanding?
If your partner is kind and caring, they will go out of their way to help you. They will also try to make things better for you, even when they can’t fix the problem. You can depend on them to be there for you when you need them.
Final Thoughts
These are just seven of the common important qualities most people look for in a life partner.
Of course, every relationship is different and you may have different needs and wants in a partner. But if you’re looking for a happy and healthy relationship, these are some good qualities to look for.
When you find someone who has these qualities, you know you’ve found someone special. Someone who will love and support you through thick and thin. Someone who will be there for you no matter what. When you’re looking for a life partner, it is important to find someone who is respectful, reliable, loyal, and kind.
These are all qualities that will make for a happy and healthy relationship. So keep your eyes open and don’t settle for anything less than the best.
If the person you are with ticks most of these boxes, consider yourself lucky because they might just be your life partner.
I wish you loads of love and happiness in your relationships.
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And now your thoughts…
What qualities do YOU look for in a life partner? Let me know in the comments section!
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Thank you for reading.
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This post was previously published on medium.com.
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You may also like these posts on The Good Men Project:
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Photo credit: iStockPhoto.com
White Fragility: Talking to White People About Racism
Escape the “Act Like a Man” Box
The Lack of Gentle Platonic Touch in Men’s Lives is a Killer
