So, you think you may have found “the one”—your forever person? It’s exciting but also a little nerve-wracking, right?

When it comes to love, sometimes we second-guess ourselves, wondering if this connection is truly as special as it feels. Luckily, there are some subtle signs that can help you recognize when you’re with someone who could be your lifelong partner.

As a relationship expert, I’m here to break down seven of these key signs. They might seem small on the surface, but when you spot them, you’ll know you’ve found something extraordinary.

Ready to find out if you’ve met your match? Let’s dive in!

1) They’re your biggest cheerleader

It’s not always about the grand gestures or the lavish gifts. Sometimes, it’s about something as simple as unwavering support and encouragement.

You see, your forever person won’t just be your partner; they’ll also be your biggest cheerleader. They’ll believe in you, even when you struggle to believe in yourself.

This isn’t about empty flattery or unrealistic expectations. No, this is about genuine belief in your potential and a relentless desire to see you succeed.

If you’ve got someone who’s always got your back, who’s rooting for you in every endeavor, and who brings out the best in you, hold on to them.

But remember, this isn’t about being overly dependent or expecting them to solve all your problems. Your partner should be there to support you, but they also understand the importance of personal growth and self-sufficiency.

2) Silence isn’t uncomfortable

Have you ever sat with your partner in complete silence and felt… perfectly content?

It’s one thing to fill the air with conversation, but true comfort comes when you can simply be together without feeling the need to constantly talk.

For example, imagine a quiet evening where you’re both sitting on the couch, maybe reading separate books or just scrolling through your phones.

There’s no awkwardness, no pressure to entertain each other—just a peaceful presence. This kind of silence speaks volumes about the depth of your connection.

Experts agree on the importance of this kind of comfort.

For instance, clinical psychologist and marriage counselor Dr. Randi Gunther mentioned in a Psychology Today article, “When relationship partners become more comfortable with each other respectfully and authentically, they feel a growing and noticeable easiness in each other’s company, a kind of safety that is not indulgent or lazy.”

When silence feels as good as conversation, that’s a strong sign you’re with someone who truly understands you, and your bond is built to last.

3) They respect your independence

One of the most profound lessons I’ve learned is the importance of maintaining your independence even within a relationship.

Your forever person will understand this. They will respect your need for personal space and time, understanding that you’re two individuals who chose to be together, not two halves completing each other.

In my book, Breaking The Attachment: How To Overcome Codependency in Your Relationship, I delve more into this concept. But for now, just remember: a healthy relationship is one where both parties can flourish independently as well as together.

4) They challenge you in a good way

So here’s one you might not expected. 

“The one” isn’t someone who always agrees with you or never pushes back. Instead, they’re someone who challenges you, inspires you to grow, and pushes you to be the best version of yourself.

Now, I’m not talking about constant disagreements or power struggles. What I mean is that they’re not afraid to challenge your ideas and perspectives, sparking growth and self-improvement.

Basically, they inspire you to become better. 

5) You can solve conflicts peacefully

Research shows that one of the biggest reasons for divorce is “too much arguing and conflict.”

However, all couples argue—it’s completely normal. In fact, if you’re not arguing at all, that could be a warning sign, but we’ll save that for another day.

The key isn’t avoiding conflict; it’s how you manage it when it happens.

In healthy relationships, arguments aren’t about winning or placing blame; they’re about listening, understanding each other’s perspectives, and finding solutions together.

If you and your partner can address conflicts calmly, with empathy and respect, and work toward compromise instead of escalating tension, it’s a strong sign you’ve found someone who values both the relationship and your emotional well-being. 

6) They’re your safe haven

The great writer Maya Angelou once said, “The ache for home lives in all of us.” I’ve found this to be particularly true when it comes to love.

Your forever person should feel like home. They’re your safe haven, your place of comfort and peace amidst the chaos of the world.

When you’re with them, you feel at ease. You can be your authentic self without any fear of judgement or rejection. It’s a feeling of security and trust that’s hard to put into words but easily felt in the heart.

For more insights and tips on love and relationships, come join our community on Facebook. It’s a space where we continue these conversations and share experiences from our own love journeys.

7) They see you, flaws and all

Let’s be honest here. None of us are perfect. We all have our flaws, our quirks, and our insecurities.

Your forever person sees all of these and accepts you as you are. They don’t just love you in spite of your flaws, but often because of them.

They acknowledge your imperfections, not with the intention to change you but to understand you better. They don’t expect you to be perfect. Instead, they cherish your uniqueness and individuality.

This acceptance and unconditional love is a powerful sign that you’ve found the one for you. At the end of the day, love isn’t about finding a perfect person but learning to see an imperfect person perfectly.

Final thoughts

Finding your forever person isn’t about grand declarations or living a flawless fairytale.

It’s about those subtle, everyday signs—the support, the respect, the peaceful silence, the way you handle challenges together—that show you’ve built something real and lasting. It’s about finding someone who loves you, flaws and all, while inspiring you to grow.

If these signs feel familiar to you, then chances are, you’ve found something truly special.

And if you’re still on the lookout, keep your eyes open for these moments of connection. Love that lasts a lifetime is built on these little things.

As a bonus, I want to share with you a video that I believe will resonate with what we’ve been discussing here. Justin Brown shares his reflections on a failed date and the lessons he learned about the complexities of finding a life partner.

Here’s to hoping you’ve found, or soon will find, the person who makes your forever feel just right!