Navigating the world of dating is no small feat. Often, we question if we’ve really found someone special. I’m Tina Fey, founder of Love Connection and your go-to relationship guru.

According to psychology, there are some telltale signs that you’re in a relationship with a truly wonderful person. These markers go beyond the superficial to reveal the deeper character traits that make a partner genuinely awesome.

In this piece, I’ll share my expert insights on these eight signs. You might just discover you’ve got a real gem or even better, that you’re on the right track to find one. 

Let’s dive in. 

1) They value your emotions

One of the key indicators of a genuinely awesome partner is their ability to prioritize and validate your feelings.

According to numerous psychological studies, a person who truly cares for you will respect your emotional world. They’ll listen to your worries, understand your joys, and won’t dismiss or invalidate your feelings.

Take a moment and reflect on how your partner reacts when you are upset. Do they lend an empathetic ear? Do they try to understand what you’re going through? If yes, then you’ve got a keeper.

Being in a relationship with someone who values your emotions is not just comforting, it’s also psychologically healthy. So, celebrate this sign of genuine awesomeness in your partner.

2) They inspire and challenge you

A sign of a genuinely awesome partner is someone who motivates you to be better, to push your boundaries, and grow as a person. Being with them should make you feel inspired, not stagnant.

I remember when I first met my husband. He was so passionate about his work and ambitions that it rubbed off on me. His drive became my drive, his dreams became my dreams. It’s this kind of inspiration that signifies a truly wonderful partner.

Oscar Wilde once said, “To love oneself is the beginning of a lifelong romance.”

A partner who inspires you to be the best version of yourself is fostering this lifelong romance with yourself. Isn’t that just awesome?

3) They respect your independence

An awesome partner understands the importance of personal space and independence in a relationship. They know that for a relationship to thrive, both parties need time and space to pursue their own interests and passions.

In my book Breaking The Attachment: How To Overcome Codependency in Your Relationship, I delve deeper into the balance between dependence and independence in relationships. A genuinely awesome partner respects this balance – they love you, but they also understand that you are an individual with your own life.

If your partner encourages your independence and supports your personal growth, it’s a sign that you’re with someone who truly respects you.

4) They are okay with disagreements

Now, this might seem counterintuitive. We often associate a happy relationship with agreement and harmony. But here’s the thing: A genuinely awesome partner isn’t afraid of disagreements.

In fact, they understand that disagreements are a part of any relationship. Rather than shying away from them, they use these moments as opportunities for growth and understanding. They listen to your point of view and communicate their own thoughts respectfully, without resorting to blaming or name-calling.

If you find that your partner doesn’t shy away from disagreements but instead uses them as a bridge towards better understanding, then you’ve got yourself an awesome one!

5) They celebrate your victories

One of the most heartwarming signs of being in a relationship with a genuinely awesome person is when they take as much joy in your accomplishments as you do.

I still remember the time when I got my first book deal. My partner was over the moon. He was so proud and excited, it was as if he’d received the book deal himself. That moment reaffirmed for me what an amazing partner he truly is.

If your significant other celebrates your victories, big or small, and is genuinely happy for you, it’s a clear sign that you are with an awesome person. Their ability to share in your happiness is a testament to their love and respect for you.

6) They’re not afraid to apologize

Let’s get real here. No one is perfect, and mistakes are bound to happen in any relationship. But a genuinely awesome person doesn’t hide behind their ego when they’ve messed up. They’re honest and humble enough to apologize sincerely.

It takes strength and humility to admit when you’re wrong. If your partner can look you in the eye, acknowledge their mistake, and say “I’m sorry,” it’s a sign of their integrity and respect for you. Their willingness to make amends shows they value the relationship more than their pride. And that, my friend, is a sign of a genuinely awesome person.

7) They show consistent love and affection

In the whirlwind of daily life, it’s often the small, consistent acts of love that truly count. A genuinely awesome partner doesn’t just proclaim their love; they show it in their actions every day.

My partner, for instance, never misses an opportunity to make me feel loved. Even after years together, he still leaves me little notes, gives me surprise hugs, or simply tells me how much he loves me. It’s these small gestures that make me feel cherished every day.

As Mother Teresa famously said, “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.” If your partner shows you consistent love and affection through their actions, you’re definitely with someone awesome.

8) They stand by you during tough times

Life isn’t always smooth sailing, and a true test of an awesome partner is how they behave during rough waters. It’s easy to be there during the sunshine, but it takes a genuinely wonderful person to stand by you during the storm.

A partner who sticks around when things get tough, who holds your hand and assures you that you’re not alone – that’s an awesome person. They don’t run away at the first sign of trouble, but instead, they become your rock, offering their unwavering support.

If your partner has been your stronghold during challenging times, it’s an honest indication that you’re in a relationship with a genuinely awesome person.

Conclusion

An awesome partner is one who values your emotions, inspires you, respects your independence, is okay with disagreements, celebrates your victories, apologizes sincerely, shows consistent love and affection, and stands by you during tough times.

If your partner embodies these traits, you’ve got yourself a genuinely awesome person. And if you’re still on the journey to finding this kind of partner or want to better understand the dynamics of a healthy relationship, consider checking out my book Breaking The Attachment: How To Overcome Codependency in Your Relationship. It offers deep insights and practical advice on how to build a fulfilling and balanced relationship.

You deserve nothing less than an awesome partner. Here’s to finding and nurturing that special love!