Adrian Volenik
Starting a new relationship is exciting. You feel like you’re alive as you get to know your new partner better.
But relationships often need a lot of hard work to be healthy. You need to put in the effort. Otherwise, things will progressively get stagnant or worse.
I often wonder if I’m actually a good partner and husband to my wife. I mean, I’m trying to be, but is that in itself really enough?
That’s why this article is for me as much as it’s for you. In it, I’m thinking through all the signs a partner is a good person, even if it doesn’t always feel like it
1) They genuinely care about your feelings and show understanding
Okay, first things first. No one can be a good person if they don’t care about others in one way or another.
That’s why your partner is a good person if they not only hear your concerns but also understand and share your feelings.
When you’ve had a rough day, they’re there to offer a comforting shoulder without asking a dozen questions or to judge you.
And isn’t that one of the main things we seek when we look for a partner?
We want someone who can understand us and be there for us. But we also want a person who will treat us with consideration and respect for our uniqueness.
2) They treat you with consideration and appreciate your individuality
Some people are foolish to get into a relationship with a person who is the complete opposite of them and who has different core values.
In these relationships, there’s seldom a moment of peace and quiet. That’s why it’s important that the partner is at least a good person.
But let me ask you this? Would you rather be with a good person who shares different values than you or with someone who’s very similar to you but isn’t as nice?
It’s quite simple, isn’t it?
The bottom line is this: a good person and a good partner is one who values your opinions, even if they don’t always agree, and they never belittle or undermine you.
3) They’re open to discussions, listen actively, and express themselves honestly
I’ve seen too many partners who are present physically but aren’t there mentally and emotionally.
That’s why you want a partner who’s open to talking about anything and everything, from the silly stuff to the serious matters.
When you speak, they’re not just hearing words – they’re actively listening, paying attention to what you’re saying and how you feel.
And when it’s their turn to share, they’re honest and upfront about their thoughts and feelings.
There’s nothing better than knowing that you can share whatever you want with your SO, is there?
4) Your partner surprises you with unexpected gestures or plans
A partner who keeps the relationship filled with delightful surprises is a good person and partner.
They keep things interesting by throwing in surprises now and then. It could be a random date night, a sudden weekend trip, or just something unexpected that brings a smile to your face.
It’s those little, unexpected moments that make you feel cherished and add a spark to your routine.
A partner who goes the extra mile to bring a smile to your face with these unplanned gestures is just a constant source of joy and excitement in the relationship.
But the following is also very important if you want to have harmony.
5) They understand that you have your own pace and flaws
As someone who likes to rush through things and likes to get them done yesterday, I can be a pain in the ass.
I have to keep reminding myself that everyone has their quirks and imperfections. That’s why I’m trying to be more patient with others, especially with my wife.
The world isn’t going to bits if something isn’t done straightaway, right?
That’s why a good partner shows patience, doesn’t get frustrated easily, and allows room for your personal growth at your own pace.
6) They stay committed and faithful in the relationship
Too many relationships fall apart because one partner “couldn’t keep it in their pants.” And that goes for both sides.
You need a partner who is fully committed to the relationship. A person who prioritizes you and stays faithful, building a sense of security and trust.
Having a partner who remains committed is like knowing you have a constant source of support and love in your corner, no matter what comes your way.
Temptations may be all around us, but only if you see them as such. If you start looking for passion and desire elsewhere, that means you didn’t work on your relationship enough.
7) They keep their promises and can be counted on when needed
Can you count on your partner to follow through on their commitments and responsibilities? If they say they’ll do something, can you trust that they will actually do it?
For example, if you’re facing a financial challenge together, your partner sticks to a plan you both agreed on, showing responsibility and reliability in finances.
They don’t go and splurge on new shoes or the newest and fanciest phone.
And if they need to spend a lot of money on something, they’ll run it through you first and not buy it and then ask for forgiveness.
All of the above should be given and common sense, yet, for many, it’s something they’re constantly dealing with.
8) They have a good sense of humor
Laughter is a great stress reliever, isn’t it? If you can sit down and share a good laugh at the end of the day, you’ve got something good going on. Something really precious.
The reality of life is that it serves us lemons all the time. As soon as you dare to think how life is good, there it is to punch you in the face.
For that reason, having a partner who brings humor into your life, makes difficult moments easier to bear, and turns ordinary days into something special is something else.
He’s not only a good person but a real lifesaver when things are rough.
9) They motivate and inspire you to pursue your goals
For many years, I had a dream that I would quit my 9-5 and we’d all move to a sunnier place. Admittedly, that was a so-called pipe dream for quite some time.
But even then, my wife was constantly reminding me of it and motivating me to do something about it. In other words, she told me to put my money where my mouth was.
She never let me forget about it because she knew how miserable I felt deep down. And she was ultimately right.
I was miserable, and I needed someone to remind me of my goals and dreams. Someone who will dare me to put a plan on paper and work toward it.
Because without a plan, a dream is just a wish.
A good person and a good partner motivates you to pursue your goals. They believe in your abilities and supply you with the encouragement you need to take on challenges.
Final thoughts
Listen, no partner is perfect. Not even Brad Pitt, Scarlett Johansson, or whoever you think is a dreamboat.
Everyone comes with their own set of baggage that will reflect on the relationship and on you.
But I really believe most people are good people. Sometimes, they just need some help to realize that.
