If you've ever been in a relationship with a significant other, there are endless amounts of cute things you can do together. A lot can come together as far as date ideas, photos, concerts, or anything that can be better with two. Along with those wonderful and fun things can come worry, anxiety, and maybe paranoia.
The reason I mention this is because some - not all - have problems with not having faith in their relationships, thinking that it won't last, think they're more invested in it than their significant other, or even that their SO is being distracted by someone else. I've had these anxious worries and I'm a part of a committed relationship of nearly 2 years. I still sometimes worry that I'm not good enough or that I once looked more attractive than I do today for my boyfriend.
Eventually, I realized that I've got to understand that there are genuine reasons as to why I should know that my relationship is in good hands. To not doubt myself. To not doubt what I'm a part of. Here are 5 signs that ensure that you're a part of a lasting relationship.
1. If there is effort on both ends.
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No, I don't mean this in terms of money. For me at least, money doesn't buy me my happiness. What does is the fact that my boyfriend is providing the same amount of effort into our relationship as I am. When there's something that I do that's nice for him, he makes sure to reciprocate that energy back to me.
2. If the words mean what they're supposed to mean.
When we say our I love you's, we don't say it to fill empty space in conversations or in awkward silence. We say it because we mean it with every ounce in us. If you're in a relationship where this is not equal or isn't being said back with the meaningfulness that's necessary, this may mean that the relationship is possibly one-sided.
3. If you have lives outside of one another's.
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I've mentioned this in other articles, but it's important to have aspirations, goals, and things that you want to accomplish that don't have to do with your relationship with your SO. It should be things that you each want to do individually like finishing college and getting a degree, making a lifelong career choice, or, in my case, getting a Doctorate degree.
In addition, there's another article I've written about long distance relationships and relationships that involve the military; welcome to my life.
4. If you can respect each other's space without leaving too much space.
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We all know it's important for each of those in a relationship to be able to have some personal space. By space, I can be meaning physical or mental space. Anything that means getting away from the SO for a bit.
Needing to cleanse oneself and prepare for a new week at work, school, or to just relax is definitely okay and encouraged. We need "us" time and we need "me" time. There's no need to always be up each other's as*es all of the time, just have some space to breathe and to work on yourself.
While saying that, it's also okay to have time together without too much space, but just ensuring that everyone gets their fair share of their time.
5. If trust is able to be attained at all times.
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But for real, if you're with someone romantically and you can't trust them to keep some of your secrets, then there's a problem. Trust is a HUGE vital part of any relationship and when violated, can turn a relationship upside down real quick.
The bottom line is that there needs to be trust and confidence that what you say to them will stay between you and them. Any other circumstances would be unfair and very unkind. Not worthy of a relationship at all.
If any of these things apply to your relationship with your significant other, then there's hope and a light at the end of the tunnel. Relationships, while seeming easy, can get ugly quick but also have such amazing perks and enjoyable moments; when spent with the right person. If you know that you can trust one another without being too into each other's personal lives, there's definitely a reason to still be in that relationship.
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