There’s a big difference between a fling that fizzles out and a partnership that will stand the test of time.

But at the start of a new relationship, how do you determine which one it is?

Recognizing these signs can be tricky. But don’t worry, I’ve got your back.

As a relationship expert and founder of Love Connection, I’m here to guide you through the subtle signs that your relationship is built to last.

Get ready to dive into these 7 signs. If you’re nodding along as you read, it’s likely your relationship has incredibly strong foundations. 

1) Deep respect

In all relationships, respect reigns supreme.

It’s not about grand gestures or extravagant gifts. It’s about the subtle, everyday actions that highlight a deep-seated respect for one another.

You see, when you truly respect your partner, it shows in the little things.

It’s in the way you listen to their opinions, even when they differ from your own.

It’s about:

• Valuing their feelings
• Honoring their boundaries
• Appreciating their individuality

This isn’t about putting your partner on a pedestal or blindly agreeing with everything they say. It’s about acknowledging their worth as an individual and valuing their unique perspectives.

If you notice this deep respect in your relationship, that’s a strong sign of a solid foundation.

2) Healthy disagreements

Yes, you read that correctly.

Disagreements, in a healthy relationship, are not only inevitable but also a good sign.

Let’s face it, no two individuals are exactly alike. Your tastes, preferences and perspectives are bound to clash at some point.

But here’s the catch – it’s not about avoiding disagreements, it’s about how you handle them.

Healthy disagreements mean you both feel safe to express your views without fear of judgement or retribution.

It means you can argue without tearing each other down, and even when the heat is on, there’s always a level of respect maintained.

It demonstrates that each of you values the other’s viewpoint and is willing to find a middle ground rather than simply insisting on being ‘right’.

It’s a sign that you’re both committed to growth and understanding – now that’s a strong foundation!

3) Independence

Now, this might be surprising to some, but hear me out. Independence is key in a strong relationship.

In a healthy partnership, two independent individuals come together to share their lives, not to lose themselves in each other.

Each person:

• Maintains their own identity
• Pursues their own interests
• Nurtures their personal growth

It’s all too easy to become so entwined in your partner’s world that you start losing sight of your own. Trust me, I’ve seen it happen time and time again.

It’s a slippery slope that often leads to codependency.

In fact, I delve into this topic in my book, Breaking The Attachment: How To Overcome Codependency in Your Relationship. It’s a deep dive into understanding and overcoming the pitfalls of codependency.

But let’s get back on track.

If you and your partner encourage each other’s individuality, support each other’s personal goals and interests, and give each other room to breathe – that’s a sign of a really strong foundation.

4) Deep trust

Ah, trust – the cornerstone of every lasting relationship. I can’t stress enough how pivotal this is.

When you trust your partner, you’re comfortable being your genuine self with them. You know they have your back, and they know the same about you. It’s a feeling of safety, of home.

Now, trust isn’t built overnight.

It’s a gradual process, nurtured over time through consistent actions and shared experiences.

It means keeping your word, being there for each other and knowing that even in your absence, your partner respects the boundaries of the relationship.

A wise man once said, “Trust is the glue of life. It’s the most essential ingredient in effective communication. It’s the foundational principle that holds all relationships.” That man was none other than Stephen Covey, renowned author and educator.

I’ve seen this truth play out countless times in my work with couples. When trust is present, even the toughest obstacles become surmountable.

So if you find that you and your partner trust each other deeply, it’s a sign that your relationship has a solid foundation. Remember, as Covey said, it’s the glue that holds everything together!

5) Shared values

This one’s a biggie, and often overlooked. Shared values are the compass that guides your relationship.

Now, I’m not talking about having the same favorite color or both loving pizza.

I’m referring to those core beliefs and principles that form the essence of who you are. Things that truly matter to you like:

• Honesty
• Kindness
• Hard work
• Family

In my years of counselling couples, I’ve seen how the most resilient relationships often have this common thread – a shared set of values.

When both partners are on the same page about what’s important in life, they navigate challenges more smoothly and build a stronger bond.

If you and your partner share essential values, if you’re both rowing in the same direction towards common goals – that’s an incredibly strong sign.

It means you’re building not just a relationship, but a shared life journey. And that’s pretty special!

6) Open communication

I always say, communication is the lifeblood of a relationship. It’s how we express our needs, our desires, our fears, and our dreams.

Good communication goes beyond just talking.

It involves really listening to your partner and understanding their perspective. It’s about being open, honest, and respectful – even when the conversation is tough.

Now, as someone who’s been working with couples for a long time, I can tell you that open communication is a common trait of relationships with strong foundations. It’s like a safety net that catches misunderstandings before they turn into major issues.

If you and your partner communicate openly and honestly – if you’re not afraid to talk about your feelings – that’s a sure sign of a strong relationship.

And if you’re enjoying this article and want more insights like these, don’t forget to follow me on Facebook. It’s where I share all my latest articles and thoughts on love and relationships.

7) Acceptance of imperfections

Let’s get real here. Nobody’s perfect, and expecting your partner to be is setting your relationship up for disappointment.

In a strong relationship, you don’t just tolerate each other’s flaws – you accept them.

You understand that your partner, like every other human being, has their quirks and shortcomings.

And you still love them, not despite these imperfections, but inclusive of them.

This doesn’t mean condoning harmful behavior or ignoring major issues. It means acknowledging that your partner isn’t perfect and neither are you.

It’s about understanding that love isn’t about finding a perfect person but learning to see an imperfect person perfectly.

If you and your partner are able to look past each other’s flaws and accept each other for who you truly are – warts and all – it’s a sign that your relationship has incredibly strong foundations.

Conclusion: Cherish your relationship

Relationships aren’t always easy. They require effort, commitment, and a whole lot of understanding.

But when you recognize these seven signs in your relationship, you can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that you’re on the right track.

These signs don’t just point towards a relationship that’s merely surviving – they signify a relationship that’s thriving. A relationship where respect, trust, and acceptance reign supreme. A relationship where communication flows and values align.

Now, I’ve been doing this for a long time, sharing insights and guiding couples through their journey. And I’ve learned one thing – every relationship is unique, just as every individual is.

So while these signs are generally indicative of a strong foundation, remember that your journey is your own.

As a parting thought, I’d like to share a video by Justin Brown on the complexities of finding a life partner. It explores some key insights that align with what we’ve discussed here and delves deeper into understanding the dynamics of strong relationships.