Ah, relationships. They can be exciting, thrilling, and fulfilling, but they can also be frustrating, confusing, and downright exhausting.
It can be hard to tell if you’re with the right person, especially when still in the early stages.
But fear not, my dear friends, because I’m here to help. In this article, we’re going to talk about seven signs you’re in a relationship with a genuinely good person. So, without further ado, let’s dive in!
1) They’re kind to others
Here’s the thing: kindness is a crucial quality because it shows that your partner cares about others, not just themselves. Something that’ll count in the long run.
In a relationship, kindness means doing small things to show care, like bringing your partner coffee in bed or leaving a sweet note for them to find.
Being kind can also come in the form of patience, support, and understanding when your partner is going through a tough time.
And remember, kindness doesn’t have to be extravagant or over-the-top. It’s often the smaller but consistent gestures that have the biggest impact on a relationship.
2) They laugh at your jokes
This may not sound that deep, but trust me it counts…
One of the surefire signs that you’re with a genuinely good person is that they laugh at your jokes. Yes, even the lame ones.
The laughter isn’t one-sided either. A good partner will find joy in making you laugh, whether it’s through silly puns, goofy impressions, or just being their authentic, hilarious self.
I know several “older” couples that have successfully managed to stay together for decades yet remain as happy as day one.
A common denominator I’ve noticed is that they’re always laughing together and giving off positive energy!
Remember, a good bout of laughter will help you get through a hard day. And the same general rule applies to relationships.
3) They’re honest
From my experience, once trust is broken, getting it back is a very uphill battle.
When someone is honest, it means that you can count on them to speak the truth, even when it’s not easy. You also don’t have to worry about what they do or say when you aren’t around.
In a relationship, being honest involves admitting when you’re in the wrong or when you’ve made a mistake. Genuine honesty comes from the heart; there’s no manipulation of facts involved.
It can also mean calling out your partner when their behavior is out of line and setting them straight because you care about them and the relationship.
4) They’re reliable
Let me ask you something… when a person regularly flakes on you last minute, what does that communicate? That they lack consideration and basic respect (more on this later!) for you, two pillars of harmonious relationships.
A genuinely good person is someone you can count on, whether it’s for being there for you during a tough period or paying the bills on time.
They keep their promises, show up on time, and follow through on their commitments.
5) They’re supportive
We touched a bit on being supportive earlier. Support is all about being present for your partner, through the good times and the bad.
A good person will also be supportive of their partner’s dreams. They’ll encourage them to pursue what makes them happy, even if it means making sacrifices on their part.
When I decided to go back to school to pursue a new career, I was nervous about taking such a big step.
But my partner was incredibly supportive throughout the whole process.
She encouraged me to follow my dreams and helped me make a plan to make it happen, going as far as offering to help a bit on the financial side of things so that I could focus on my studies.
Her support gave me the confidence I needed to leap, and I’m now on my way to a new career that I’m excited about.
6) They’re respectful
This is the sad truth: once respect goes, so does the relationship.
Respect is all about treating your partner as an equal, and valuing their thoughts, feelings, and boundaries. Respect is listening actively when they speak, and not interrupting or dismissing their opinions, even if you disagree.
I remember when I first started dating my partner, we went out to dinner with some of their friends.
One of her friends made a snarky comment about my appearance, and my partner immediately shut it down. She told her friend that it wasn’t okay to make comments like that about me, especially in front of others.
I was impressed by how quickly my partner stood up for me. I felt valued.
That was a eureka moment. From then on, I knew my partner was someone I could count on to stand up for me when needed–the ultimate sign of respect.
7) They’re effective communicators
In simple terms, effective communication is like a dance, and a good partner knows how to tango with the best of them.
Effective communication enables you to build trust, deepen your connection, and foster mutual understanding in a relationship.
It also involves being open and honest, respecting your partner’s opinions and needs, and working together to build a stronger and healthier relationship.
A genuinely good partner is direct and doesn’t beat around the bush. They know the value of solid communication.
Typically, they can meet you halfway and work towards finding solutions, avoiding unnecessary resentment or tension in the process.
Some tips to become a good partner
So now that you’ve made it this far, you may be wondering how to develop these qualities in yourself and your relationship. Here are a few time-tested tips:
- Practice active listening: When your partner speaks, make a conscious effort to listen and understand what they’re saying. Put the gadget away when your partner is talking, give them your undivided attention!
- Be mindful of your partner’s feelings: Take the time to check in with your partner regularly and ask how they’re doing. A simple “How are you feeling?” text when they’re having a stressful day will work in your favor. Just do this with moderation, or risk becoming needy or demanding.
- Prioritize quality time together: In a busy world, it can be easy to let your relationship take a backseat. Make sure to prioritize quality time together. When you’re both done with your work or errands for the day, do an activity together like going to the gym or cozying up and watching a compelling TV show together.
- Show appreciation: Let your partner know that you appreciate them and all the things they do for you. It may sound corny but small gestures of gratitude really can go a long way. And if they don’t, maybe you should rethink that relationship!
Final thoughts
In conclusion, being in a relationship with a genuinely good person can bring joy, fulfillment, and a sense of security to your life.
If you see a few of the above signs in your partner, you’re in a good place! And if you don’t see all of these signs, don’t despair.
It’s never too late to work on yourself and your relationship to become the best partner you can be.
Remember, relationships are hard work, but with the right person, it’s always worth the hustle.
