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There can be some clear signs your relationship will last forever. Feelings and expressions such as ideal partner, love, and romantic relationships have been interesting topics for researchers and people worldwide. Most people who seek long-term relationships look for factors like trust, intimacy, loyalty, and attraction in their partners. However, the search for an ideal partner is a tough job. You may often look for ways to measure the strength and stability of relationships. Read on to know signs your relationship will stand the test of time.
23 Signs Your Relationship Will Last
- You want to share your lives together: You and your partner should be comfortable with the idea of intertwining your lives and families together. You should understand each other on a deeper level and be able to share all the aspects of your life with them. Lasting relationships require friendship to sustain even during the worst of days.
- You feel comfortable around your partner: In the early phases of a relationship, couples tend to portray themselves in a good light and be the best version of themselves. However, you should not constantly try to impress your partner. You feel comfortable around your partner if you can let your guards down and share your vulnerabilities, flaws, and truths. A different sense of comfort and trust is built when a relationship grows from a friendship. This is because they can understand things from the partner’s perspective. This is a pro tip for people in long-term relationships.
- You can count on each other: Despite your schedules or physical distances, you make an effort to be there for each other. You stick to each other’s big or small plans and can count on each other. You go out of your way to stand by each other in both good and bad times.
Point to consider- You enjoy trying new things together: Couples who grow together stay together. If you like embarking on new adventures, visiting new places, or making plans together with your friends, it is a positive sign. Exploring new things together keeps your relationship dynamic and alive.
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- Your partner accepts you the way you are: Reliable partners will not expect you to change overnight. They will refrain from using words like “always” and “never” in negative ways when disappointed. They will present respectful arguments to sort out an issue. They won’t make you feel bad about your flaws but help you turn them into your strengths. They will show compassion and patience when you need it.
A relationship may start with love and attraction. But gradually, these two elements may fade, and a serious commitment to one another keeps a couple going. The chart below depicts the change in the intensity of a romantic relationship. As observed, intimacy and passion are the strongest at a relationship’s start. However, these two elements take a back seat as commitment, which is low at the beginning of a relationship, becomes stronger with each passing year.
Variations in the intensity of different aspects of love based on relationship length
Source: Universality of the Triangular Theory of Love: Adaptation and Psychometric Properties of the Triangular Love Scale in 25 Countries; Journal of Sex reserach- You communicate well: Communication is not just about sharing your favorite movie or food, but also entails talking honestly and openly about your life decisions, good feelings, or bad feelings. Honesty and openness can take your relationship to new heights. You may not have to think twice about what you want to say and how because your partner is understanding and patient with you.
- You value each other: Trust and respect are the two cornerstones of long-term relationships. If your partner regularly asks for your advice or suggestions, is respectful of your choices, and involves you in the decision-making, they value your opinions and treat you as an equal.
- You celebrate each other’s accomplishments: You should remember that you are on the same team and have shared goals. Personal, professional, or financial success of your partner should not incite jealousy or insecurity. Be encouraging, and celebrate each other’s achievements. Once people in a relationship establish that they are in the same team as partners and not against each other, they can grow together and achieve even more.
- You apologize and forgive each other: You and your partner should accept each other’s mistakes and missteps. Anyone can screw up or have a bad day. Instead of giving excuses, venting out anger, or being unapologetic, one should make a sincere effort to make amends and move on.
Point to consider
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- You both listen to each other: Being a good listener is an important characteristic of a partner. It is one of the ways to show respect to your partner. When you talk to your partner, they make eye contact and not interrupt you or scroll through their phone. They remember what you say and respond after contemplation.
- You fight fair: Arguments and disagreements are bound to happen in relationships. However, the way couples handle conflict tells a lot about their relationship. Conflicts are not about winning at your partner’s expense. In a healthy relationship, couples do not get nasty or resort to blame-game or name-calling.
- You enjoy each other’s company: It is a good sign in a relationship if you look forward to spending time together and catching up at the end of the day. Through ups and downs, you both try to connect emotionally and physically.
- You can still do things on your own: You should be able to give each other space and time, do things independently, and grow as an individual. Healthy relationships are about coexisting and yet avoiding complete co-dependency.
- You share common values and goals: For a long haul, you and your partner must be on the same page on ideals and goals—starting a family, buying a house, raising a kid, financial habits, etc. This can help you avoid major conflicts. If you fundamentally disagree on important life decisions, do not assume your partner will change their mind down the line. Make sure to know their values and goals.
Image: IStock
- You become a better person:Your partner may inspire you to become the best version of yourself. It doesn’t mean that you are trying to be someone else but feel comfortable being yourself. It entails raising the bar for yourself to connect emotionally and intellectually with your partner.
- You both are in control: It is important that you both are in control of your relationship. You do not let external factors or people affect you. Your friends and family members can express concern or give advice. However, if you and your partner do not let them control your relationship, it indicates that you are confident in what you can build together.
- You can have tough conversations: You may have a strong urge to share your happy feelings with your partner, but do you have the same feeling when you have gone through a bad experience? It is equally important to have tough conversations with your partner, who can empathize with you and understand you.
- You help each other professionally: You do not hesitate to ask help from each other for matters related to career and work. It isn’t a sign of weakness but strength and confidence. Moreover, your significant half helps you achieve your aspirations, raise your bar, and grow personally and professionally. Experts believe that people with dependable partners may excel in their profession.
- You can discuss when the relationship needs fixing: When you have doubts or feel something isn’t right, you are comfortable initiating a dialogue with your partner, navigating through your doubts without any fear, and sorting out the rough patches in your relationship. Both of you can ask for forgiveness easily without making it a big issue.
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- Your partner won’t let you give up: A partner who is patient and shows confidence in you during tough times is a keeper. They encourage you to achieve your goals and stand by you not only during good times, but also when the going gets tough. They are ready to compromise if a situation demands it. The support of a partner goes a long way when you are going through a hard time, allowing you to bounce back when undergoing changes and pressure.
- You are growing together: It is important that with time both of you grow together and not distant. A long-lasting relationship is not just about planning a big wedding or vacations but about how you adapt and make choices to stay with each other.
- You are not stuck in a rut: Couples may end up being stuck in a routine—things might feel too predictable or dull. People who try to do different activities and hobbies together keep things exciting. This flexibility will increase your affection for each other.
- You are comfortable with physical intimacy: It is equally important to talk and express your love. You should be able to share your concerns and fantasies with your partner. Physical intimacy also involves gestures, hugs, and kisses that make you feel appreciated and wanted.
Image: IStock
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do you know if he wants to marry you someday?
Early signs that he wants to marry you may include:
- He cares for you and makes an effort to keep continuous communications
- You are a part of his plans
- There’s more of “we” than “I” in his conversations
- He has introduced you to his family and involves you with his friends
- He speaks of his plans with you
- He loves you, trusts you, and opens up to you
- He asks you about your perception of marriage, your dream wedding destination, and compliments you on how wonderful you would be as a wife or a mother.
2. How long does the average relationship last?
It depends on how strong your bond is. Ideally, young adults in their 20s and early 30s may have a longer relationship than their younger counterparts. That’s usually because the latter population is considered less mature and patient and hence may have relationships of shorter spans.
3. What kind of relationship lasts the longest?
Relationships built on affection, mutual trust, and respect tend to endure. These elements nurture a strong foundation and a lovable bond where both partners value and appreciate each other’s thoughts, feelings, and boundaries.
4. Can a strong physical attraction and good sex life indicate a lasting relationship?
While a strong physical attraction and a satisfying sex life can be crucial for a stable relationship, they alone are insufficient indicators of a lasting relationship. A healthy and lasting relationship involves a balance of emotional, intellectual, and physical connections, where partners genuinely care for each other and work together to navigate the challenges that arise.
5. How important is compatibility in a relationship that is likely to last?
Compatibility plays a significant role in long-term relationship satisfaction. When partners are compatible, they are more likely to experience emotional connection, mutual respect, fulfillment, and happiness in the relationship, leading to a greater likelihood of longevity.
Looking for signs that your relationship will last forever helps you make important decisions in life. Desire to stay together forever, being comfortable with each other, valuing each other’s company, gaining their appreciation, and celebrating accomplishments are common signs of a long-lasting relationship. However, good communication and listening skills are essential to reduce misunderstandings and conflicts. Partners who apologize and forgive make more effort to stay together than ones who blame others for their mistakes. It is also important to grow together and indulge in hobbies and activities rather than being stuck in a rut.
Infographic: Common Mistakes To Avoid For A Long Lasting Relationship
If you have been able to check a few boxes from the signs mentioned above, it is a given that you have a long-lasting relationship ahead of you. However, the road towards it is not as easy as it sounds. We tend to make a few common mistakes while in a relationship without realizing the impact that it might have later. So, to help you stay clear of these mistakes, we have prepared the following infographic. Give it a read and save it for times when you want to refresh your memory. Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
Key Pointers
- You share a lifelong bond if you feel at ease around your partner, enjoy trying new things together, and value each other’s opinions.
- You may share similar aims and ideals, want to improve as a person, or encourage your partner to grow.
- Instead of feeling stuck, you will allow each other the freedom to explore your personalities in a healthy and loving relationship.
Illustration: Clear Signs Your Relationship Will Last Forever
Image: Stable Diffusion/MomJunction Design Team
Are you in a relationship that feels like it will last forever? Check out this video to learn 8 signs that your relationship is built to last!
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