When you find someone that you truly believe is your long-term person, there are certain things that you should definitely know about them. More than just their favorite color, you will come to know the more important things about them- like how they treat you in different settings, and whether or not they can always give you sunshine on a cloudy day.
1. If they make you smile when you’re sad.
One of the most important aspects of a partner is whether or not you can count on them when you’re upset. Do they have the power to make you smile whenever you need it?
2. If your arguments can end in laughter.
Even when you’re pissed off and yelling, can you still end the night laughing and happy, anger-free?
3. How they react in an impatient setting.
Observing someone in a frustrating, impatient situation can reveal a lot about a person. Can they keep their cool and stay respectful, or does a different, darker side come out?
4. How they are with their family or with children.
It’s nice to see how they are in their familial relationships and how they treat kids. Even if their family isn’t perfect and dandy- how are they with handling that?
5. Do they always have your back?
Even if no one else is, can you count on your person to be there?
6. How they treat a waiter when you go out to eat.
Are they respectful? Patient? Friendly? Do they say please and thank you? Can they recognize when something isn’t an employees fault?
7. How they treat you when they’re angry about something else.
Maybe they had a bad day at work, failed an exam, or their favorite team lost an important game. Do they take it out on you? Are you still the person that they look forward to seeing when they’re angry or upset?
8. Do they make sure you always get home safe?
Whether it’s getting you there themselves or texting/calling to ask and double check, they should care. Every time.
9. How they treat you (and others) when they’re intoxicated.
Are they frustrated easily? Do they become rude to you in front of others? Do they leave you alone in public? Do they treat you like a nag when you’re trying to be caring? All very important things to know.
10. If they check in with you about their plans.
It’s not a “controlling relationship” to discuss your plans with each other. While you’re individuals- you’re now also a team. A simple text asking if it’s cool that they are out for the night is respectful.
11. How they take their coffee.
Okay, not a critical factor, but it’s still important to know the little things about a person. It’s nice to be able to prepare them a cup of coffee in the morning.
12. How highly they prioritize you.
There’s no need for them to always choose you over their friends, but will they choose you when you tell them you need them?
13. Their pet peeves.
Everyone deserves someone who memorizes their pet peeves. Do you know each other's? Do you each try to avoid doing them?
14. If you can be adventurous with them.
Is this someone you can be spontaneous with? Are you down to do anything, as long as you're with them? You should be with someone that you can never get too bored with.
15. Do they still give you butterflies?
No matter how long you’ve been together, they should still be capable of making your heart stop and your stomach flutter.
16. How serious they are about school and their future.
Maybe Chad from Kappa Sigma has the best trick shot around in beer pong, or Stacy is cool because she looks good and can drink like the guys - but do they study for their exams? Does your person have goals, and are they truly motivated to reach them?
17. Do they support your future goals?
Along with #15: Do they care about what dreams you have and are they happily willing to support them endlessly?
18. If you feel more comfortable with them than you do alone.
This one is important, because there’s no use in having a partner that you aren’t completely comfortable with at all times.
19. Their past.
What have they gone through in life so far? How have they handled it? What has made them who they are today?
20. How long they hold a grudge.
Long-term grudges have no place in a long-term relationship. How long does it take them to forgive and move on?
21. Their go-to drink.
If you’re relaxing at home, out at the bar, out to eat, or at a party, would you know what drink to get for them? What will always satisfy them?
22. Are they willing to make sacrifices and compromises for you?
Being two individuals in one partnership will always mean needing the occasional sacrifice and compromise.
23. Are you happier with them than you are alone?
Lastly, but probably most importantly, you need to know whether you are happier in a relationship with this person than you are single. This person should make you feel like the sun shines out your ass on the cloudiest day, and have the ability to put a smile on you just by seeing their face.
