Reading the signs of commitment in a potential long-term partner is crucial, especially if you see a happy future with them. After all, who wants to waste energy and time on someone who isn’t fully invested in your relationship?
You could be dating for a while and think things are going great, but you’re not sure unless they say outright that they want to spend the rest of their life with you. However, for some people, it takes time for them to express their innermost feelings.
If you can’t wait for them to tell you and you want to put your mind at ease, keep your eyes peeled for these signs of commitment.
Small sacrifices
Sacrifices don’t have to be extraordinary feats. They can be small, daily indicators that a person is willing to put their relationship or partner first. According to Scott M. Stanley from Psychology Today, these types of sacrificial behavior include:
- Your partner changes their schedule during the times you need them.
- Your partner participates in the hobbies you love, even though they don’t enjoy them as much as you do.
- Your partner stops whatever they’re doing to listen to you when you’re stressed.
- Your partner shows up early to help you prepare for a big event.
Of course, it’s just as important that you do the same things for your partner. A healthy relationship includes two givers who each nurture the relationship in small ways that matter.
Plans for the Future
Single people make decisions and plans that revolve around them. For people in a relationship, there are two to consider. Both of you matter, and what you want to do in the future is important to your partner and vice versa.
If you’re making plans together or you’re talking about marriage and having kids, that’s a strong sign that they’re in for the long haul. Planning vacations together is also a significant indicator, as this involves careful planning months in advance. On vacation, you’d also be making memories that last forever. Nobody wants to be doing that with someone they’ll eventually break up with.
Promises to keep
Committed partners trust each other. That’s why a relationship thrives.
However, promises can be tricky. None of you know with complete certainty what will happen in the future, and it can mean that both of you won’t always be able to keep your promises to each other.
Words are easy to say, but once your partner gives you something tangible, such as a promise ring for women, the item symbolizes the love and commitment between both of you. In a way, they’re like pre-engagement rings – a promise that you two plan on marrying each other someday.
A word of caution: If your current relationship doesn’t meet all the criteria above, it doesn’t necessarily mean that your partner isn’t committed to you. Sometimes, it takes time; sometimes, people have different love languages. Consider the list above as a general set of guidelines that you can look out for in the future.
However, remember that love can also be blind. If unsure, ask your friends or family for their thoughts about your partner’s commitment to your relationship.
