Since relationships aren’t perfect, knowing when a person is “the one” can be difficult. And if you’re like me, you’re constantly asking yourself questions and double-checking your intuition, worrying about regret, doing the right thing, and the million “what-ifs” that exist in the world. This process can be even more complex when you’ve struggled with unhealthy relationships that warped your self-worth and understanding of how relationships should go.
However, after finding a better relationship I’m incredibly happy and comfortable in, I’ve figured out some signs that show you probably should hold on to your partner tightly. I say “probably” because all relationships are different, and unhealthy relationships can have positive aspects. Further, sometimes signs that seem innocent may not be in actuality.
To learn four potential signs your partner is “the one” you should keep, continue reading.
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1. They make you feel comfortable, heard, and loved.
What This Could Look Like
- You don’t feel like you’re walking on eggshells around them or that they’re going to judge you. You feel as though you can be yourself freely.
- They validate your feelings and struggles. They understand their impact may be different from their intent.
- They show you love in a variety of ways and listen to what you need from them. You may even have helpful conversations about each other’s love languages.
Why It’s Important
- While relationships aren’t perfect, you deserve to find one that makes you feel whole, cared for, and happy.
- If you plan on spending the rest of your life with someone, you probably don’t want to spend your life worrying about how they see you.
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2. They make you want to be a better person (in an encouraging, kind way).
What This Could Look Like
- They want to engage in important advocacy and social justice work with you.
- They encourage you to see situations, groups of people, and more in a forward-thinking, compassionate, helpful way that you may have not thought about before.
- They make you feel good and in turn, you want to make them (and others) feel good.
Why It’s Important
- If we find people who help us make the world a better place, not a worse one, we can make positive changes.
- By finding people who want to make us be better, we move forward in an effective, beneficial way.
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3. They seem as interested in you as you are in them.
What This Could Look Like
- You have healthy boundaries around how much time you spend together, how much love you give and receive, and more.
- You don’t feel like you’re fighting for their attention, nor do they want more than you can reasonably give.
- The time you spend together feels worthwhile and fulfilling rather than draining or inadequate.
Why It’s Important
- You’ll feel meaningful to them and content in your relationship.
- You make them feel good about themselves as well, creating a happier relationship.
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4. You have a gut feeling they’re the one (and maybe others do too).
What This Could Look Like
- You believe the deity you worship has encouraged you to pursue this person and this relationship.
- Something inside you just knows they’re the person you’re meant to spend life with.
- Other loved ones have shared how much they like and appreciate your partner and you two together. When you hear this, you agree.
Why It’s Important
- Gut feelings, in my opinion, are one of the clearest signs we can trust. When your gut feels right, you’re likely good to go and can move forward in your life in a positive way.
- Our loved ones can share information we don’t notice because we’re wearing rose-colored glasses, and what they’re sharing is just as good.
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Takeaways
Your person will make you feel good about yourself in a variety of ways. You’ll give and receive love equally and freely, and you feel confident in your relationship. You make each other and the world around you better, and your relationship is mostly happy and positive. Your relationship feels solid, compassionate, and meaningful.
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This post was previously published on Medium.com.
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Photo credit: iStock