Allowing the relationship to happen at a pace that feels comfortable to both of you.
Examples: There’s no pressure to have sex, make the relationship exclusive, move in together, etc. There’s happiness and excitement around these decisions, not mixed feelings.
Believing your partner won’t do anything to hurt you or ruin the relationship.
Examples: Your partner is comfortable when you do things without them, has faith you won’t cheat, respects your privacy online, etc.
You can be truthful and open to your partner without fearing how they’ll respond or if you’ll be judged.
Examples: Having clear communication about what you both want without feeling like you have to keep secrets or hide relationships from your partner.
Having space and freedom in your relationship to be you!
Examples: Being supported by your partner for having friends and a life outside of your relationship and not needing to be attached at the hip.
Your partner should value your beliefs, opinions, and who you are as a person.
Examples: Your partner compliments you, supports your work and dreams, does not try to overstep your boundaries, and sticks up for you.
You and your partner have the same say and put equal effort into the relationship.
Examples: You make decisions together and equally compromise. You feel comfortable speaking up, and both people feel important and respected.
You feel a sense of care and concern for your partner and that feeling is reciprocated.
Examples: Your partner treats you kindly, supports you through tough times, and is quick to lend a helping hand.
You and your partner both take ownership for your actions and words. You avoid blaming and admit to mistakes.
Examples: Your partner genuinely apologizes when wrong and makes positive changes to better the relationship.
When your partner is reliable and you feel confident they have your back.
Examples: Your partner is respectful and faithful, keeps your secrets, sticks up for you, and doesn’t take sides against you, but helps you see the middle ground.
You’re not afraid to open up to your partner about anything, the good and the bad.
Examples: You’re confident your partner will listen when you need to talk, and there’s no fear you will be judged for your words or opinions.
