If you’re leading with superficial ideals such as the perfect partner should have model good looks, a six-figure+ income, and the right degree from the right school, topped off with six-pack abs, or a certain bra size, you’re really ignoring the most imperative qualities that can actually make or break a relationship.
A lie is a lie. It doesn’t matter if it’s white, black, or green. This includes lying by omission or withholding information, which is also profoundly dishonest. Someone who lies about anything no matter how insignificant they think it is, is not a trustworthy partner.
True honesty and integrity are some of the hardest traits to come by these days and it’s not a virtue you should overlook. You should be able to trust your partner, to be honest with you about everything. A transparent relationship is a healthy relationship.
No family is perfect and they all have their quirks and minor annoyances, but if your partner’s family is meddling, judgmental, jealous, or hypercritical, it is considered emotional abuse and if your partner won’t or can’t stand up to them it’s likely to be a deal-breaker.
Unless you want to spend your life walking on eggshells and feeling constantly judged and ridiculed, opt for a partner with an evolved, open-minded family that understands boundaries and respects your relationship.
If your partner lacks resolve, and independent thinking skills, and always needs approval from others, this is not a partner who will have your back in life. You are not dealing with a mature adult or someone who has the ability to be the kind of strong, capable partner you need.
Life can be challenging and scary, and the only kind of partner that is going to hold up through the test of time is a strong, resilient partner who can be your rock.
There is a big difference between being run-of-the-mill “nice” and being “kind.” Anyone can be “nice.” Nice involves surface-level politeness that does not have to be genuine and it does not require empathy or integrity.
There is a big difference between being a humor-less killjoy versus not going along with things that go against your values and violate basic human decency. We’re all supposed to be adults here and we’re supposed to know that just because a group is doing or saying something doesn’t make it right.
Choosing a partner who leads a healthy lifestyle is vital to your long-term health as well. Our partners can be significantly influential on us and if you have a partner whose idea of a good time is getting sloshed in bars, there are two likely outcomes