5 Qualities You Should Seek in an Ideal Partner
One night, my friend, Herman and I went out for drinks. We’ve not seen each other in so long, so we had a lot of catching up to do. I started the topic by talking about his love life.
“Herman, I see that you’ve been changing your relationship status in your social media frequently. You’re already past 40 but it seems I won’t hear any wedding bells soon!”
He jokingly replied, “Yeah, I think I’m bound to be alone forever. It’s just I can’t find someone that’s compatible with me. Am I the problem?”
His question hit me. Maybe he’s giving his attention and time to the wrong people. Maybe he doesn’t know what he’s looking for like most of us. I told him my thoughts and he looked at me as if he’d stumbled on a gold mine.
He asked, “So, what qualities should I look for in a partner? Tell me.”
Here’s what I told him:
1. Emotional Maturity
Searching for a perfect person without emotional baggage is like finding a needle in the ocean, it’s impossible. Many of us have dealt with trauma. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean that we are emotionally wrecked or hopeless.
Believe it or not, there are still many emotionally mature people out there. They are the type of individuals who think before they act, reflect on their past, and take responsibility for themselves.
2. Empathizes Really Well
In a relationship, sympathizing isn’t enough. Knowing how to empathize should be practiced too. A good indicator that a person empathizes is when they’re picking up what you’re feeling, and understands your emotions on a deeper level. That said, the next time you talk with someone, check if they actively listen and see if they don’t give unsolicited advice.
3. Highly Respects You
Respect isn’t just practiced in the household, it must also be evident in relationships because it nurtures love, patience, and trust among other things.
A person that respects you should accept you for who you are, allowing you to build self-confidence and letting you grow as an individual. Additionally, they should also create an emotionally safe space where you can freely express your feelings without the fear of being judged.
4. Shows Humor at the Right Time
Humor is essential in relationships because it can help lighten the atmosphere, get past conflicts, and overall make couples happier. However, it should be displayed accordingly as there are times that it can ruin the fun and might escalate into an argument.
If you believe that someone is having an aggressive sense of humor such as telling you mean-spirited jokes, then perhaps it’s time to think twice if it’s right to pursue them or not.
5. Establishes Ground Rules
Most relationships last because couples establish ground rules that keep them from making relationship-breaking mistakes. For instance, here are some rules you may want to make.
- Prioritize the relationship
- Spend quality time together
- Show appreciation even for little things
Meanwhile, if someone refuses to make rules with you despite the fact that it’s for the betterment of the relationship, there’s a good chance that they might not be as interested or don’t want to strengthen their bond with you.
Is Your Partner the Right One For You?
As early as now, you should already check if the person you’re interested in carries the qualities you seek in an ideal partner. This way, you’ll know whether you’re pursuing the right person or not.
Good luck in your love journey!
