8 subtle signs a couple is meant to be together, according to psychologists

Tina Fey by Tina Fey | September 11, 2024, 7:17 am

Have you ever looked at a couple and wondered, How do they just… work?

While love can seem like a mystery, psychologists have uncovered subtle yet powerful signs that reveal when two people are truly meant to be together.

These aren’t the grand gestures or fairytale moments—it’s the small, often unnoticed behaviors that make all the difference.

Curious if a relationship you know has what it takes to last?

Here are 8 subtle signs that a couple is truly destined for each other. Keep reading to find out if you’ve spotted them.

1) Shared laughter

Laughter is a powerful elixir in relationships.

Just like a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down, shared laughter can ease tensions and create a bond that’s hard to break.

According to psychologists, couples who frequently laugh together are likely cementing a strong and enduring bond.

It’s not just about finding the same things funny, but also about finding joy in each other’s happiness.

This doesn’t mean that every moment needs to be filled with belly laughs or that your partner needs to be a stand-up comedian.

What matters is the mutual enjoyment, the shared smiles, and the way your eyes light up when you’re both giggling over an inside joke.

When you and your partner share a chuckle it’s not just a fleeting moment of amusement. You’re building something much deeper.

2) Unspoken communication

Communication is key in any relationship. But it’s not just about the words we say, it’s also about the things we don’t say.

Nonverbal cues, like a knowing glance or a gentle touch, can speak volumes about the strength of your bond.

I remember once catching my husband’s eye across a crowded room at a party.

Even without speaking, I knew he was ready to leave. It was in that moment I realized how deeply we understood each other.

As the great poet Maya Angelou once said, “Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope.”

This is exactly what unspoken communication in a relationship feels like.

3) Mutual respect

This might sound like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how many couples overlook the vital role respect plays in their relationship.

When you respect your partner, you automatically:

  • Value their opinions
  • Listen when they speak
  • Appreciate their unique qualities

It’s about seeing them as an equal and cherishing the differences that make them who they are.

In my book, Breaking The Attachment: How To Overcome Codependency in Your Relationship, I delve deeper into the importance of mutual respect and how it can prevent codependency.

I remember a time when my husband disagreed with me about a major life decision

Instead of arguing or dismissing my viewpoint, he listened attentively, asked questions, and expressed his concerns respectfully.

It was in that moment I truly understood what it meant to be respected by your partner.

4) Comfortable silence

Now, this may seem a bit counterintuitive. We often associate strong relationships with deep conversations and active engagement.

But what if I told you that silence is golden?

Psychologists suggest that being comfortable in silence with your partner is a clear sign of a secure and healthy relationship.

It indicates mutual understanding and trust.

You don’t feel the need to fill every moment with words because the connection you share goes beyond verbal communication.

Can you recall a time when you and your partner just sat together in silence, perhaps watching a sunset or sipping coffee in the morning, and it felt just perfect?

That’s the power of comfortable silence.

5) Shared goals and values

Having common interests is great, but having shared goals and values?

Now, that’s a game-changer.

When a couple shares a vision for their future and aligns on core values, they are much more likely to stick together through thick and thin.

It’s like you’re rowing a boat in the same direction; it just makes the journey easier.

Personally, I remember sitting down with my husband early in our relationship, discussing our dreams and aspirations.

I realized we both had a shared passion for helping others and we were both committed to making that happen.

That conversation made me see how much we were in sync.

6) Ability to argue effectively

Now, this might catch you off guard. Shouldn’t couples in a healthy relationship avoid arguments? Well, not exactly.

Arguing is not only normal but also crucial for a healthy relationship.

The key is how you argue.

Psychologists suggest that couples who argue effectively – meaning they listen to each other’s points, avoid personal attacks, and strive for resolution rather than victory – are likely meant to be together.

Let’s be raw and honest here. My husband and I argue.

We disagree on things from trivial matters like what movie to watch to significant decisions like where to move.

But we’ve learned to argue in a way that respects each other’s feelings and opinions.

If you can argue effectively, it’s a strong indicator that your relationship has the depth and resilience to go the distance.

7) Unconditional support

Everyone goes through ups and downs.

Having a partner who stands by your side through all the highs and lows is truly invaluable.

Couples who show each other unconditional support, especially during challenging times, are likely to have a long-lasting relationship.

I remember when I was launching my blog, Love Connection. It was a scary time filled with doubt and uncertainty.

But my husband was there, cheering me on every step of the way, believing in me even when I didn’t believe in myself.

His unwavering support made me feel loved and valued.

8) Acceptance of flaws

No one is perfect, and that includes both you and your partner.

The sooner we accept this, the healthier our relationships will be.

Couples who accept each other’s flaws are often the ones who stick together.

It’s about seeing the imperfections and choosing to love your partner anyway.

In my relationship, I’ve come to realize that my husband’s forgetfulness, which used to drive me crazy, is just a part of who he is.

And he’s learned to live with my incessant need to plan everything.

We’ve learned to not just tolerate, but accept these quirks as parts of the people we love.

Conclusion

The strongest relationships aren’t always the ones filled with grand gestures and dramatic declarations.

They’re built on the quiet, everyday moments that reveal a deeper connection.

Lasting love is about more than chemistry; it’s about understanding, respect, and the unspoken bond that keeps two people in sync.

If you’re intrigued by these insights and want to explore more about building healthier relationships, I invite you to pick up my book, Breaking The Attachment: How To Overcome Codependency in Your Relationship.

It’s packed with more wisdom and practical tips.

In the end, it’s the small, meaningful moments that build a love strong enough to stand the test of time.

Did you like my article? Like me on Facebook to see more articles like this in your feed.