Kiran Athar
Finding a good partner is one of the most important things we do in life; this person will be by your side during dark times and good, will see you into old age, and potentially will be the parent of your children!
So it’s essential that you find someone who has a good character and who you can be confident about walking through this journey of life with.
I’m going to share 12 personality traits of a good partner. Whether you’ve already met someone or are here just out of curiosity, this list will cover all bases of what to look out for!
1) They value honesty
In any relationship, honesty is one of the key foundations. So, in a partner? It’s essential!
If you’ve found someone who doesn’t:
- Lie
- Manipulate
- Cheat
Or deceive you, it sounds like you’ve found a pretty great partner!
The truth is, when building a life together with someone, we all want to feel like we can depend on them to be honest.
And through honesty, we build trust. Without those two components, it’s hard for a relationship to develop and for connections to be strengthened.
That’s why looking for a partner who values honesty above all else should always be on the checklist!
2) They’re trustworthy
Talking about building trust…another personality trait of a good partner is that they’re trustworthy.
And I don’t mean just in the sense of remaining faithful. That’s important in any committed relationship, but the spectrum of trust is much wider…
For example:
You need to be able to trust your partner to stick to their word. When they say they’ll pay the bills or sort out that speeding ticket, there should be no doubt in your mind that they will!
Equally, if you tell your partner something in confidence, you should trust that they’ll keep this information to themselves. A good partner will be trustworthy in all situations!
3) They’re loyal
Now we can address infidelity and commitment in a bit more detail – a good partner should be loyal and committed.
You should never doubt that they’re fully faithful to you and the relationship – even during arguments or difficult patches in your relationship. That feeling of security in a relationship is priceless!
But that’s not all…
A good partner will also be loyal when it comes to having your back and supporting you!
Let’s imagine friends are talking badly behind your back; you’d want to know that your partner would defend you in your absence, at all costs.
4) They’re independent
We hear a lot about codependency being a killer in relationships, and for good reason.
Another personality trait of a good partner is their independence; they’re self-reliant and don’t need your support with everything they do!
I like to see relationships as two INDIVIDUALS coming together, sharing a life, but each retaining their unique personalities, needs, and desires.
If you have a partner who enjoys their independence (thus giving you space to do your own thing) but who is also committed to spending quality time together, you’re onto a winner!
5) They have an open–mind
Next up on the personality traits of a good partner is having an open mind…
This means that they:
- Aren’t judgemental and avoid criticizing different beliefs and lifestyles
- Are willing to consider different opinions and viewpoints
- Tend to be more open to taking risks
- Don’t believe they know it all
Ultimately, having a partner who can keep an open mind will make YOUR life much easier. They’re likely to be more accepting and supportive of your decisions, but that’s not all…
Keeping an open mind is integral to personal development and growth. And we all want a partner who strives to be their best self and who never stops learning!
6) They don’t take life too seriously
Laughter should be a part of every relationship, therefore having a partner who has a sense of humor and doesn’t take life (or themselves) too seriously is essential!
In times of darkness, stress, and despair, having a partner who’ll stop at nothing until they see a smile on your face is invaluable.
Not to mention, there’s science behind it:
Some studies have shown that couples who laugh together show increased levels of closeness, well-being, and relationship quality.
And in general?
Life with someone who makes you chuckle is just that little bit easier than with someone serious and moody!
7) They have solid communication skills
But as fun as it is to have a laugh, you also need someone who can communicate effectively and who knows when to take things seriously.
Communication, alongside trust and respect, is a make-or-break trait.
Without it, even the most well-matched couples will fail. So, if your partner:
- Actively listens to what you say
- Communicates clearly and concisely
- Can empathize and understand you during a conversation
- Displays positive body language
You’re off to a good start! The truth is, most people don’t know how to communicate effectively. We learn from watching our parents and other social interactions growing up.
So if your partner has taken the time to polish their communication and listening skills, they’re worth keeping hold of – it could contribute to having a successful and happy relationship!
8) They’re emotionally stable
Another important personality trait of a good partner is that they’re on top of their emotions.
So, what do I mean by this?
Well, if someone is emotionally stable:
- They tend to be consistent (they don’t suffer from mood swings)
- They’re resilient and able to bounce back from setbacks
- They can control their anger
- They handle conflicts in a healthy manner
If a partner possesses these qualities, it’s a good sign that they’re in touch with their feelings and can cope with the stresses and anxieties that come with everyday life.
And this is very important in a relationship; a partner who suffers from emotional instability is more likely to display destructive behaviors which will put a massive strain on the relationship, not to mention your well-being!
9) They’re self-aware
But to be emotionally stable, a good partner should also be self-aware.
This means they’re able to reflect on their behavior and emotions, which is a hugely important factor in any relationship.
Let’s say you argue with your SO because they disrespect your boundaries. If they’re not self-aware they may struggle to see the role they played in causing the fallout.
Someone who is self-aware, however, will be able to go away, think about what they’ve done, and come back to rectify the situation.
Not only that, but they’re able to take accountability and responsibility for their actions!
10) They respect you and your boundaries
Now, I mentioned boundaries in the point above…so why is a partner who respects boundaries so important?
Well, boundaries are essentially our limits. You may tell your partner that you don’t appreciate being texted 25 times a day because it distracts you from your work.
If your partner doesn’t respect this boundary and continues to hound you with messages, there’s not much hope for a long and prosperous relationship, right?
On the other hand, if your partner acknowledges that while they wish they could talk to you more, they understand that your work is important and they’ll accept your wishes, it’ll make you feel respected!
That’s why respecting you and your boundaries is one of the top personality traits of a good partner.
11) They’re able to compromise
Next up on our list is the ability to compromise…
The truth is, when two people merge together in life, it’s a non-negotiable that compromise must be taken seriously.
It’s the only way to make a relationship work!
Whether it’s over something small like who takes the trash out in the morning or bigger issues, such as which in-laws you visit at Christmas, having a partner who is willing to compromise and be fair is key.
If both can do this with a positive attitude and a willingness to reach a fair outcome, it leads to a solid relationship built on mutual trust and respect!
12) They’re consistent
And finally, if you have a partner who does all (or most) of the above CONSISTENTLY…you’re incredibly lucky!
You see, consistency shows a real commitment. Whether it’s to be respectful, independent, honest, or trustworthy.
And not only does it show that they take your relationship seriously, but it also shows that they’re not just putting on an act just to draw you in!
This is a sign of someone who has a good handle on themselves and their emotions. They’re mature and they know what it takes to build a healthy relationship!
