If you haven’t found your perfect partner yet, don’t worry. You don’t have to be the youngest, richest, or coolest woman around to find your Mr. Right. In fact, all you need is a good sense of who you are, and this handy checklist.
Here are the top seven things all great partners possess:
1. They Care About The Little Things
What makes a good romantic movie is nothing like what makes a good long-term relationship—real life lasts rather longer than the 120 minutes. You need to think about the little things you want because, in a long-term relationship, the small things are usually the big things. How do you want to feel about going to the supermarket together? Or facing difficulties together? Or doing housework together?
2. They’re Happy
It’s a myth that drama and being temperamental are sexy. The reality is, high-maintenance behaviors all eventually become a pain in the butt (rather than sexy). You don’t really want to be around someone with rollercoaster-like moods long-term, do you? Happiness is a much more valuable commodity. You need to be happy and be with someone who is happy. It’s that simple.
3. They’re More Than Just Great Sex
I’m not saying that there is anything wrong with great sex—there isn’t. However, assuming great sex is enough to make a great relationship is a very bad idea. You want someone who can love you with his words and actions (as well as great sex). Sex is simply one delicious part of what should be a delicious relationship.
4. They Appreciate You
Living with someone long-term is like living under a microscope—you get to see each other’s faults in glorious technicolor. Everyone has faults and everyone’s faults can be irritating. The best known antidote to irritation is appreciation. Choose someone—and be someone—truly appreciative of all that is great about their partner.
5. They Make You Laugh
Couples who laugh together have a better chance of staying together long-term than couples who don’t. The more you laugh, the more you’ll be able to laugh your way through relationship challenges. It’s seriously good for the health of your relationship!
6. They’re Not Perfect (Nobody Is)
They just needs to be the right kind of imperfect. If you’re a neat freak and they’re…not, that probably won’t be a great fit. But if you both feel reasonably relaxed about a few articles of clothing on the bathroom floor, you’ll have a much better chance together.
7. They’re Respectful
If you are thinking long-term, wouldn’t you like to be with someone who is gentle on your feelings? Gentleness is frequently undervalued and has a very long shelf-life. It’s also great for your emotional health
