Characteristics to Look For in a Partner

There are many characteristics that one can look for in a partner to be sure they are starting a healthy relationship, and it goes deeper than just wanting to find someone with similar interests and a sense of humor.  Also, we sometimes select partners based on left-over emotional baggage from previous unsuccessful relationships.  How can we avoid making the same mistakes from our past? Well, even though no one is perfect, the list below contains characteristics to look for in a partner and is a good starting point to avoid unhealthy relationship patterns. 

 

Someone Who:

  • Supports your relationships with friends and family

  • Maintains his or her own friendships and wants you to get to know them

  • Supports your personal growth

  • Continues own interests in outside activities

  • Asks your opinion

  • Is comfortable with you having different opinions

  • You feel comfortable expressing your feelings and emotions with your partner

  • Talks and listens

  • Accepts responsibility for own behavior

  • Can apologize when they are wrong and can accept an apology from you

  • Considers the relationship a partnership

  • Shares in the decision-making

  • Treats other people with respect

  • Is secure enough to accept your relationships with the opposite sex

  • Trusts you and expects to be trusted

Nicki Masters