When you’re in a relationship, you never know what the future may
hold for you and your partner. And trying to determine whether your mate
is the right one forever or the one for right now is no easy task. But
there are certain signs that can help you distinguish if you and your
partner are heading for “I do” or
“Adieu.”
Your partner shares your values.
While they say opposites attract, opposite values are going to detract
from your relationship. You and your mate will of course have your
differences, whether you come from diverse backgrounds or simply diverge
on your affinities for crunchy vs. smooth peanut butter, but your
priorities, ethics and core values have to be in line.
Because
even with the differences that you both bring to the table, there should
be common ground for your relationship to grow upon. This doesn’t
guarantee a long-lasting relationship, but the more of these major
values that you both share, whether it’s the desire for children, your
long-term goals and even your outlook on life, the easier it is for you
and your mate to find marital bliss in the future.
Your partner is respectful. For your partner to
be worth his or her weight in marriage gold, respect has to be present
in your relationship. He or she should be your biggest cheerleader,
confidant and friend, and not someone who tears you down, undermines
you, makes fun of you or treats you poorly.
To that end, a marriage-worthy mate is also a person who’s respectful of others
as well. Whether it’s your parents, your friends or simply the waiter
at the restaurant down the street, a marriageable mate is kind to other
people. Because guess what? If you’re in a relationship with someone who
is rude and discourteous to others, it’s only a matter of time before
those negative qualities are directed right at you.
Your partner brings out your true self.
When your mate is marriage material, he or she is someone who knows the
real you. You get to be the person you truly are—no pretending, no
game-playing and no
role-playing. You don’t need to feel like you’re
hiding, suppressing or faking any aspect of your personality, your
passions or your past around your partner because he or she gets you
100% and cares about you 100%. When you’re in a relationship with
someone who appreciates the person you truly are, you’re on the right
path for truly great things ahead.
Your partner is trustworthy.
It may seem basic, but being able to trust your mate and receiving that
same kind of unadulterated trust in return is a must if your partner is
marriage material. This is a person whom you can always rely on no
matter the circumstance and is always forthright, honest and open with
you. If you’re having any doubts about your partner’s loyalty, fidelity
and dependability, you should have no doubt that this person is not
marriage material.
Your partner makes you happy. When considering whether your mate is marriage-worthy, it’s also important to look internally. Does this person make you smile,
laugh and feel truly special? Life is full of ups and downs, so being
with someone who brings you joy is an important part of finding the
right partner.
You should want to spend time with this person and
be excited about a future together—he or she shouldn’t seem like a drain
or a drag. So if you’re feeling bored, stuck or indifferent about your
mate, it’s time to find a different one who’s actually marriage
material.
By Stacey Laura Lloyd
Happy & Healthy Relationships Expert
