The search for the right one might feel like a never-ending task. It can get tedious. It can even put you in situations where you get your heart broken. Back then, the prospect of finding a soulmate seemed so easy, but as you grew up you realized that there were a lot more things to consider than a glass slipper or an enchanted rose. Yikes. 

“I think they’re the one.” Does this line sound familiar to you? How many times do you think you’ve said this?

Don’t worry if your answer is too much or too little – we’ve all been there. Sometimes, the idea of being mistaken and getting hurt at the end of a relationship is sometimes too scary that you don’t even want to venture into dating at all, but if you are and you want to be sure, here are 12 signs someone is right for you. Are you ready to find the one?

Friendly disclaimer: This video is for educational purposes and is based on personal opinions. This video is not a substitute for professional advice, but general guidance. We advise you to always listen to your intuition and always do what is right for you.

1. They are open-minded.

A relationship is composed of individuals who share varying opinions and experiences. There are bound to be disagreements here and there. The right person would want to listen to your side without judgment and be able to place their own opinion forward in an inoffensive manner. This can lead to healthy discussions which can, in turn, help you get to know each other better.

Have you ever met someone who cuts you off and makes you feel bad about having a certain opinion? Yeah, they’re most probably not the one. Just smile and wave, because you dodged a bullet.

2. They respect your individuality.

Before being in a relationship with someone, you had your own thing going on, right? Whether it was being a die-hard Star Wars fan, a Lord of the Rings geek – hey, you might have even been practicing pole-dancing for the fun of it! – you were your own person before you met someone. That fact still remains and the right one shouldn’t make you feel like you have to throw away a part of yourself just to be with them. They are a wholesome addition to your life, not a limitation.

Are you currently in a relationship? What were your hobbies before you got into one? Did it change after? Why or why not?

3. They put in the effort to improve.

You aren’t perfect and your significant other certainly isn’t, too. They make mistakes and have clumsy moments just as the average person does. Them being your soulmate doesn’t put them on an immaculate pedestal that sets them aside from everybody else. If you’re in a relationship, what traits of your partner irks you? Have you talked to them about this? The right person will take your experience into account, understand you, and make a visible attempt to be better. You, as well, have to take their feelings into account. In order to avoid upsetting them, you may want to be sensitive and gentler with your words. Furthermore, if your partner has traits that can’t easily be improved especially if it was brought by a bad childhood or previous experience, you might want to guide them in reaching out for help with their loved ones, friends, or a mental health professional. Therapy has been proven to have a lot of benefits and might aid your partner to be in a better place with themselves. To read more about when to consult a therapist, here are 10 Signs You Need Therapy.

4. They are trustworthy.

Do you tell your significant other the type of things you tell your friends? The right person will make you feel safe enough to share your deep secrets. In turn, you should also feel that your partner trusts you, too. Constantly talking to one another about your own insecurities, experiences, and just being honest in general fosters healthy communication. This is very important as it helps in clearing out misunderstandings and addressing any conflict in the relationship (Gonsalvez, 2020).

Have you ever come across a shocking piece of information about your partner through other people? If so, you might find it helpful to talk to them about it and kindly asking them why they didn’t share it with you in the first place. They might have a reason why or are struggling with opening up about themselves.

5. They inspire you to be someone better.

In life, there is always room for improvement. It is normal to want to be better for your partner and this is a very good indication that you are in a healthy relationship. When we say better, we don’t necessarily mean it physically – but that’s great, too! Here’s why – better could mean emotionally and spiritually. If your partner makes you feel good that it inspires you to be more honest, compassionate, and patient, then they are the right person for being such a positive influence in your life. This can help you gain emotional stability and contentment for what you have. Yay partners!

It is also important to keep in mind that being better is something that you want to do, not something you need to. If your partner makes you feel like you have to look or act better just to be worth their time and attention, then you are most likely in a toxic relationship. 

6. They don’t hold you back from experiencing life – and vice versa.

The right person will give you space to do what you want to do in your own way and time. This includes going out with friends, taking up a hobby, and relaxing. You don’t have to be with each other all the time because both of you have personal lives, too! Time away from each other is just as important as time together because it promotes independence and individuality. Which activities do you like to do when you’re alone? What about when you’re together?

7. They make an effort to get along with your friends and family.

As your partner, possibly even for life, the right person will find it significant to build a nice relationship with those you love. If you see them making an effort to get along with your friends by laughing at their jokes or spending quality time with them; or if they regularly visit your family and give them gifts – you better hold on, because they’re a keeper.

8. They light up when you’re happy.

How often do you laugh when you’re with this person? The right one will naturally feel happy when you are happy. That’s why they will go out of their way to make you burst into laughter, the kind that brings tears in your eyes until you can’t breathe. Don’t worry, that’s just love.

On the other hand, if you think you have a fear of being too happy, you might have Cherophobia, and you can read more about it here.

9. They are clear about their intentions with you.

The world of dating may sometimes feel like a jungle. Some people are in it for a purely sexual experience, while some are looking for a more long-lasting commitment. The right person will most likely share the same intentions as you and be straightforward about it. As in, say-it-out-loud kind of straightforward. If the person you’re with right now is displaying inconsistent behavior that makes you question the type of relationship you have, then it is probably best to talk to them about it to straighten out any misconceptions. Each person has a different way of showing affection so that’s why communication is key.

10. They are genuinely interested in you.

Have you ever had someone ask so many questions about you, only for them to forget it quickly after? Well, they might just have short-term memory, but it is also likely that they just wanted you to feel like they cared. Whatever it is, they probably had a reason or intention behind doing it and weren’t actually interested in your answers. You might want to look for someone who is interested in asking you questions and actually remembering what you said. The right person will validate you and your experiences because they understand that it made you who you are now. 

11. They satisfy you in all aspects.

Sex is great. A sexual partner who listens to you is better. The right person won’t find it a hassle to ensure that your needs are properly met. This doesn’t mean that they prioritize you over themselves and worship the ground that you walk on, but rather that they value you enough to take note of your preferences and needs and try to fulfill them within their means.

For example, if your love language is words of affirmation, they may attempt to be more verbal as a form of expression. If it’s physical touch, then they may try to be more physically expressive when you’re together by holding your hand, hugging, or putting an arm around your waist. What is your love language?

12. They’re supportive of you and your future together.

What are your major goals? Do you have any career aspirations? The right one will make an effort to ask these questions and find a way of reaching both of your goals without compromising. In addition, they are also supportive of your dreams and sometimes even more excited than you. This shows how much they care and want to see you in a good place in life. Sometimes, they might also worry about your well-being and disagree with what you want to do. That’s why it’s always crucial to talk it out to understand each person’s side of the story.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Each person has a different idea of the right one and there are no rules set in stone to identify who is perfect for you. You just have to go out and live life to meet who you want to bond with. Always remember to focus on yourself first to understand that you are worth more than a relationship. They might arrive when you least expect it. Sometimes, meeting the right person happens so fast you won’t even have to think of asking if they’re the right one.

What made you read this article? Do you have a certain someone in life right now or are you just reading to get an idea of what to look out for? If so, was this article helpful? Please let us know your experiences in the comment section below. 

REFERENCES:

Carmichael, C., PhD. (2019, September 26). You Might Have Next To Nothing In Common With Your Partner, And They Could Be “The One.” Women’s Health. https://www.womenshealthmag.com/relationships/a29212428/when-you-find-the-one/

Dodgson, L. (2018, May 30). Relationship experts say these are the 9 signs the person you’re dating is right for you — and some are surprisingly simple. Business Insider Nederland. https://www.businessinsider.nl/how-to-tell-if-someone-is-right-for-you-2018-2?international=true&r=US#9-the-balance-is-in-their-favour-9

Gordon, S. (2020, May 27). Everything You Need to Know About the Five Love Languages. Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/can-the-five-love-languages-help-your-relationship-4783538

mindbodygreen. (2021, June 28). 5 Reasons to Be Honest in Love. https://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-5775/5-Reasons-to-Be-Honest-in-Love.html