So many times we take a shot at love, and so many times we have failed. Maybe there just wasn’t a spark, or maybe there were too many similarities or differences. Whatever it is, these are some things I believe everyone should look for when trying to find that special someone.

Respect: People have their own ideas on how to live life, and that is important to have. What is also important is that we as people respect other peoples choices and decisions that they make for themselves. We all have different views and different ideas of life!

Believing in You: When it comes to people, everyone is going to have something they do differently or something they want to achieve in their life eventually. It is so important for your significant other to believe in you and the beauty of your dreams.

A Kind Heart: So many times I see people I know get into a relationship with someone who is abusive. Physically, mentally, and emotionally. I am telling you right now, no one deserves to be abused; we all deserve love.

Patience: Let’s be honest here, how many of us can be a pain in the butt? We bug each other and irritate each other, and annoy the heck out of one another. A significant other who is patient with the little things, like how annoying you can be, waiting in a line or waiting for a red light to turn green, will have the patience and understanding of taking your time to enjoy every moment of every day with you.

Doesn’t Anger Easily: Someone who gets angry easily or over the little mishaps is not someone you want to spend forever with. If they get mad or angry over their order in the drive thru being wrong, then imagine what they will get mad about later down the road.

Faith: A faith filled significant other will remain faithful. They have the love of God in their hearts and minds so they will remain faithful to you like they have the Lord. Even if you are not Christian or have a religious affiliation, having faith in someone is one of the key things you need in a healthy relationship.

A Similar Mind Set: When you go one a first date, that is the time to tell the other person what you want in life and who you are as a person. Religion, political party, kids, marriage, etc. There are many topics that you can talk about to see if you are compatible. Coming from experience, it is much easier to date and see a future with someone when they have the same religious views and political party.

Honest: “Do these jeans make my butt look big?” I’m sure some men have been very afraid of this question. I would be too if a woman asked me that question. Honesty is the best policy, always. If you do not feel comfortable with something, tell your partner. If you did something wrong, talk to them and tell them about it. If you can be open and honest about mistakes you have made, you will easily be able to answer questions, like, “Do these jeans make my butt look big?”

Trustworthy: Trust is a key essential in relationships. You need to trust your partner to keep your secrets, to remain faithful to you, and to love you unconditionally. You giving someone they key to open your heart is a huge step. Trust ensures that your partner will hold that key and guard it with their life.

Loving: Obviously, you need love in a relationship! What kind of love, though? The kind that every time you see that person you get butterflies. You feel like nothing could ever hurt you when you’re with them. You feel like the world is so amazing and great. The kind of love where you can stay up all night talking about your future together. The kind that is deeper than the depths of the ocean and more open than the limits of the sky. A love that is so strong it consumes every thought and emotion you have. That is the love I want, and it is the love all of us deserve.