Being single isn’t a bad thing. In fact, it offers you the perfect opportunity to discover who you are and what you truly want in a partner.

It’s about waiting for someone who matches your standards, someone who checks all your boxes.

Staying single until you find that person is not only smart, but it’s also the key to a happy and fulfilling relationship.

In this article, I’m going to share with you the 9 boxes that your future partner absolutely must check.

Let’s dive in.

1) They respect you

Respect is a key pillar in any relationship, not just romantic ones.

Without respect, there’s no foundation for love, trust, or any other ingredient that makes a relationship fulfilling.

Your partner should value your opinions, listen to your thoughts, and never belittle you. They should respect your boundaries, your time, and your emotions.

This means not only listening when you speak, but also valuing your words and considering them seriously.

If they don’t respect you in these ways, they’re not the one for you. So until you find someone who checks this fundamental box – stay single. You’re worth it.

2) They understand your language of love

It’s crucial to find someone who understands and speaks your same love language.

Let me share a personal example. My primary love language is ‘Acts of Service’. I feel loved when someone does something for me – like when they cook my favorite meal or handle a task that I’ve been dreading.

In my past relationships, I’ve been with partners who didn’t understand this. They would shower me with gifts or words of affirmation, which are nice but didn’t make me feel truly loved and understood.

It was only when I met my current partner, who makes it a point to do little things for me, that I truly felt seen and valued in the way I need.

Don’t settle for someone who doesn’t understand or appreciate your love language.

Hold out for someone who truly gets you and knows how to make you feel cherished.

3) They share your core values

Values are the bedrock of our personalities. They define what we stand for and what we won’t tolerate.

Having a partner who shares your core values isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s essential for long-term compatibility.

Couples who share similar values are more likely to be satisfied in their relationship and less likely to break up.

This does not mean you have to agree on everything, but your fundamental beliefs and principles should align.

Whether it’s your view on religion, politics, or how to raise children, make sure you’re on the same page before committing.

So take your time and stay single until you find someone who shares your core values. It’s worth the wait.

4) They encourage your growth

A healthy relationship is one where both partners grow together, but also as individuals.

Your partner should be your biggest cheerleader – someone who encourages you to pursue your dreams and supports you every step of the way.

They should celebrate your victories, no matter how small, and help you learn from your failures.

If you find that you’re constantly having to compromise on your personal growth or ambitions for your partner, then they’re probably not the right one for you.

Wait for someone who not only acknowledges your potential but pushes you to reach it.

Stay single until then, because that’s the kind of love that fuels personal growth and builds a strong relationship.

5) They make you feel secure

Security in a relationship doesn’t just mean physical safety – although that’s certainly important. Emotional security is just as crucial.

You should never have to question where you stand with your partner. They should make it clear through their words and actions that they are committed to you.

If you’re constantly feeling anxious about your relationship, or if your partner’s actions often leave you feeling insecure, then that’s a clear sign they’re not the one.

Find someone who makes you feel safe and secure, both physically and emotionally.

Someone who brings peace, not chaos, into your life. Until then, stay single and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with it.

6) They love you for who you are

In the journey of love, it’s important to find someone who loves and accepts you just as you are. They should celebrate your strengths and accept your weaknesses.

They shouldn’t want to change you, but rather, they should love all the parts that make you uniquely you.

There’s a certain kind of peace that comes from being with someone who sees all of you – the good, the bad, and everything in between – and still chooses to love you.

Wait for this kind of love. It’s the kind that feels like home, that nurtures your soul. Until then, remain single. Because being truly loved for who you are is worth waiting for.

7) They communicate openly

Communication is the lifeblood of any relationship. It’s how we share our thoughts, our feelings, and our dreams with our partners.

I’ve learned this the hard way. In the past, I was in a relationship where we kept our feelings and thoughts to ourselves. We thought it was better to avoid arguments and keep the peace. But in reality, it just built walls between us.

Now, I understand the importance of open and honest communication. It’s about expressing your needs and your fears. It’s about speaking up when something bothers you, but also about expressing appreciation for the things they do well.

Hold out for someone who you can talk to easily. Someone who listens, who understands, and who makes an effort to communicate openly with you. It makes all the difference in a relationship.

8) They make time for you

Time is one of the most precious commodities we have, and how your partner chooses to spend it can tell you a lot about their feelings for you.

Your partner should prioritize spending quality time with you, whether it’s going for a walk, having dinner together, or just cuddling on the couch watching a movie.

They shouldn’t make you feel like an option, but rather a priority. If they’re always too busy or if your time together feels rushed or unfulfilled, then that’s not the relationship you deserve.

Wait for someone who cherishes spending time with you and makes an effort to be present in those moments. Until then, enjoy the luxury of your own time. You deserve someone who values it as much as you do.

9) They’re your best friend

At the end of the day, your partner should be more than just a lover. They should be your best friend.

This is the person you’ll share your life with, the one who will be by your side through all the ups and downs. They should be someone you can laugh with, cry with, and share your deepest secrets with.

Your best friend is someone who understands you like no one else does. They’re not just there for the good times, but they stand by you when things get tough.

So wait for someone who can be both – your best friend and your lover. Because that’s the kind of relationship that not only lasts, but also enriches your life in every possible way.

Final thoughts: It’s about self-love

At the heart of all these boxes to be checked, lies a profound respect and love for oneself.

Being single is not a waiting period, it’s a phase of life that allows you to know yourself better. It’s an opportunity to understand your needs, your desires, and your worth.

Staying single until you find someone who checks these boxes is not about being demanding or picky. It’s about recognizing your worth and refusing to settle for anything less.

Remember, the most important relationship you’ll ever have is the one with yourself. So, cherish it.

Don’t rush into a relationship just to avoid being alone. Take your time, grow, and wait for someone who truly complements you in every way.

Because at the end of the day, the relationship that brings you the most happiness and contentment should not just be fulfilling, but also enriching. It should enhance you as an individual and as a partner.

So, until that kind of love finds its way to you, enjoy being single and continue building a life you love.