Alexandra Plesa
Love can be tricky.
No matter how much you care about your significant other, your baggage can still get in the way of your happily ever after.
That’s why knowing you’re with someone worth fighting for makes a huge difference when times get tough.
Here are 9 signs you’re in a relationship with a really good person, according to psychology.
Hold on to them for dear life.
1) They communicate
Effective, open communication is key for any relationship.
When you’re with someone good, they make it a point to check in with you and make sure you’re on the same track.
They don’t leave you on read, they tell you when they’re unavailable, and they don’t run and hide at the first sign of trouble.
A good partner communicates openly and respectfully.
They actively listen to what you have to say, demonstrating that they care about your feelings and opinions.
Moreover, they are willing to address issues constructively rather than avoiding or escalating conflicts.
Which brings me to my next point.
2) They approach conflict with an open mind
Approaching conflict with an open mind is a crucial characteristic of a good person.
While disagreements are a natural part of relationships, according to psychology, how you tackle them speaks volumes about the quality of your bond.
A not-so-good partner might try to manipulate you to get their way, blame you for the conflict, or even refuse to engage so you can find common ground.
A good person, meanwhile, displays a problem-solving attitude:
- They show a genuine interest in understanding your point of view
- They refrain from making quick judgments or assumptions during conflicts
- They’re flexible in their thinking and willing to change their mind
- They suggest reaching a compromise so you both get your way
- They keep their calm and don’t lose their patience
Handling conflict with an open mind requires emotional maturity.
Congrats! You found a good one.
3) They treat you with kindness
Since we’re on the topic of conflict, do you know what’s one of the most common sources of conflict in relationships?
According to psychology, it’s when one of the partners treats the other as inferior or stupid.
In today’s fast-moving world, being kind is underrated.
And while there are many things I can blame most of my exes for, when it comes to kindness I’ve always been lucky.
I never had a significant other who disrespected me, treated me with condescension, became abusive, or judged me as if they’d never done anything wrong.
For that, I’m extremely grateful.
You can tell whether your boo is kind by paying attention to how they treat not only you but others.
Do they do small, thoughtful things for you, like making coffee in the morning or helping out with an errand without being asked?
Are they polite with everyone they meet?
Are they invested in their relationships with family and friends?
If the answer to all these questions is yes, you can breathe easy.
4) They offer support
A good person wants those around to live their best life. Their loved ones in particular.
As a result, they provide support whenever needed to ensure that happens.
If your partner goes overboard to make you feel supported through thick and thin, they’re definitely a keeper.
They should provide a safe space where you feel comfortable sharing your feelings without fear.
Furthermore, they should offer reassurance when you’re down, helping you navigate anxiety with a little more grace.
And they should encourage you to grow and follow your dreams, no matter how weird these dreams might seem to them.
If your partner’s presence alone is a source of solace, they’re doing something right.
5) They share responsibilities
Besides being there for you emotionally, a good partner also provides practical support.
They shoulder their share of responsibilities and don’t let you deal with everything on your own.
If you’re dating a bad person, your gut will tell you that the relationship is one-sided.
That you’re the only one reaching out, doing the hard things, while your boo drifts through life with no care whatsoever.
A good person doesn’t make you feel that way.
They help you find solutions to problems, offering practical advice and stepping in to provide hands-on assistance.
Does that sound like anyone you know?
6) They respect your boundaries
Another sign that you’re in a relationship with a really good person is that your partner respects your boundaries.
According to psychology, boundaries are essential for healthy relationships.
They enable you to know who you are and keep you safe from others’ interference.
A partner who has your best interest at heart won’t cross them or force you to do things that cause you distress – neither in bed nor in life.
They might nudge you to try something new, sure, but only because they want you to expand your horizons.
If you’re clear about something making you uncomfortable, they don’t push it.
They honor your independence and seek consent before engaging in activities that affect you or your relationship.
That’s hot!
7) They are honest
If you’re dating a good person, you don’t have to worry about them lying to you.
A good person understands the importance of being truthful in their words and actions, reflecting their strong moral character.
They wouldn’t jeopardize the trust and security of the relationship by being dishonest.
You don’t feel like your partner is hiding things from you.
Also, you don’t have a strong desire to go through their phone or their belongings when you want to find answers to a question that’s been nagging at you.
You can simply ask.
Your boo might say they’re not comfortable answering. They might insist there are things they want to keep private.
They have boundaries, too.
But you know, deep down, that you can trust them.
And that makes you feel warm and fuzzy inside.
8) They are consistent
A good person is someone you can depend on. Who keeps their word and doesn’t break promises.
Who doesn’t disappear with zero notice or bail on plans without having a good excuse.
Your partner fits the bill as long as:
- Their actions align with their words
- They follow through on commitments
- Their behavior remains stable over time
- They demonstrate predictable patterns in their routines
Psychologists point out that consistency goes a long way toward creating trust within a relationship.
Count your blessings.
9) They appreciate you
Good people know how to make their loved ones feel valued.
Your boo should express appreciation for the things you do, big or small, recognizing your efforts.
They shouldn’t make you feel like they’re doing you a favor by hanging out with you.
Quite the opposite. A good person is open about how much they value you and care about you.
They make time to see you and engage in activities you both enjoy.
They make you feel heard and understood.
They occasionally surprise you with unexpected gestures of love.
In short, they make you feel like a priority.
Final thoughts
Healthy relationships are about so much more than just love and attraction.
They’re about respect, communication, and growth.
When you’re with someone good, those things come naturally.
Maybe you can’t tell whether they’re your forever person just yet.
But you can tell they’re worth sticking around for to find out.
And that’s not nothing.
