Even the most intelligent people couldn’t answer one of the hardest problems human beings have encountered: how to know if your relationship is going to last. However, there are questions that will guide you in gauging if what you and your significant other have will go the distance.

Growing Together

Do you have each other’s back? This doesn’t mean you will fully support one another at all times, even when you know your lover is wrong. This is best shown when you call them out whenever they err instead of overlooking their mistakes no matter what.

The true meaning of loyalty is helping each other grow, and if you really want the best for them, it’s better to speak your mind and say it like it is instead of walking on eggshells. The truth may hurt their ego for a while but will definitely benefit them in the long run.

Listening

Oftentimes, arguments and disagreements ensue when two parties don’t lend their ears to what the other person has to say. So, you need to ask if both of you listen, not just hear, each other out in the relationship.

Priscilla Du Preez/Unsplash — Listening is different from hearing another person’s stance

Communication is key to understanding each other but how will you be able to know your partner’s stance when you don’t give them a chance to explain themselves? Listening to other people’s perspectives in life can make you understand their ideas and put yourself in their shoes during arguments.

Being Friends

Those who are lucky to have found the love of their life might describe them as their best friends. This doesn’t mean that you see them as just a pal, rather, they should always be like one of your greatest associates, whom you can spend a lot of time with.

Pablo Merchan Montes/Unsplash — Being in a relationship means being good friends with him/her

Being with someone for the rest of your life will reveal each other’s quirks and shortcomings, so ask yourself if you’re prepared to deal with their unexpected personality quirks and behaviors.

Independence and Success

The key to a lasting relationship is never about becoming one with the other person in the sense that you both should love everything about each other or sharing the same hobbies and interests. It is all about the celebration of your independence as a person because you need to keep in mind that you may lose yourself if you only think of their wants and needs.

Edgar Castrejon/Unsplash — Let your partner be an individual in your relationship

Independence also means letting your significant other soar and traverse paths that they have long wanted to explore. Just be there to support them, especially if they are treading unfamiliar waters.

If they became successful, ask yourself if you’re truly happy about the accomplishment or there’s a hint of jealousy. It doesn’t matter if you both are into two entirely different things, what’s important is that you both understand the essence of being supportive for each other in every step.

Alexander James