Is this person caring and friendly? Is this person controlling or mean? Does this person have a tendency to be unhappy or irritable? Is this person generally fun to be with?
Blushing Trembling hands Racing heart Feeling weak or faint
For example, you may spend extra time getting ready for dates, say “yes” to activities you might not normally do, buy or wear nicer clothes, and spend more time with them than by yourself or with other friends. Keep in mind the importance of boundaries. For your relationship to grow and be successful, you’ll need to learn to be authentic and stop trying to impress your partner all the time. Giving up time with friends and family is not healthy for your relationship long-term. [5] X Research source
Understands how to comfort you and provide support. Trusts you and is comfortable being honest with you. Respects your family and friends. Understands your sense of humor.
How you like to spend your free time, whether with friends or together. How much alone time you need. Who will pay for things when you go out together. How much physical touch or affection you need.
Are you starting to notice that your partner never cleans up the dishes after eating? Or have you noticed larger issues you may need to work on, like that they often say they are fine when they’re actually very upset? If you cannot tolerate the other person’s faults at this stage, or feel that they are things that the two of you cannot work on, you might decide to move on from the relationship.
Listening attentively Avoiding judgments or blaming Asking for clarification Rephrasing or repeating to show you understand Talk about hard topics such as hurt feelings
Be vulnerable in sharing your concerns and insecurities to your partner. Be open to what the other person is feeling. Avoid getting angry, jealous, or possessive.
Is invested in growing with you Has similar ideas about marriage and family Is motivated to make and achieve goals with you
Adopting a pet Moving in together or buying a house together Thinking about engagement or marriage Sharing or merging finances
Rely on each other. Fulfill or follow through on promises made. Feel comfortable with the roles and responsibilities you’ve established with each other. Feel comfortable going to your partner when you’re struggling.
Schedule time for something fun. [19] X Expert Source Moshe Ratson, MFT, PCCMarriage & Family Therapist Expert Interview. 7 August 2019. Do something active together. Be open to new activities. Try something you each enjoyed as kids. Avoid activities that are too competitive.
For instance, if you know your partner has had a stressful day, take it upon yourself to have dinner ready when they get home from work and do the clean up, too. Or if they’ve been going through a rough time, encourage them to have a night with their friends — let them know they shouldn’t feel guilty for not including you, and to go out and enjoy themselves. If you aren’t sure what your partner’s wants and needs are, then you need to have a discussion. Sit down and ask them what they want and need from the relationship, and don’t interrupt or get defensive. Then take your turn.
Express appreciation to your partner. You might say, “Thank you for making me coffee this morning. You make it so much better than I do and it saves me time. I love that you do that for me. ” Express affection. Know what your partner likes and surprise them with it. It could be a hug, a simple “I love you,” a card, or flowers. Listen to your partner. Take 20 minutes every day with each other to listen to what happened in your lives. Don’t try to fix anything or judge, just listen and decompress together.
Violence is not healthy or acceptable at any relationship stage. Seek help from a counselor or domestic violence shelter if your partner become violent or verbally abusive.
