When a relationship is just getting started, it’s easy to imagine that everything will be perfect from here on out. Even if the sensations are intense, it takes more than that to have a lasting relationship. Marriage is romanticized, but it also involves a great deal of effort on both partners’ parts. Marriage is for mature people.
Emotional and communication skills are the best predictor of a person’s ability to keep their promises and commitments and invest in a relationship through the ups and downs of life.
What Exactly Is "Marriage Material?"
When it comes to deciding if a romantic relationship can last, one of the most essential factors is how much effort both parties are willing and able to put in. When a person is willing to put the same amount of effort into their relationship as you do, they are considered “marriage material.” The goal is that you’re both on the same page about it.
When it comes to reducing the pressure on both sides, this is critical. At some point in our lives, we will all encounter difficulties and failures, and as a result, we will all disappoint and frustrate our relationships. However, a long-term commitment can only be made if both partners are committed to fostering their relationship through good and bad times alike.
Finding Out If Your Date Is a Good Match for Marriage
1. They're quite good at expressing themselves.
Even if I don’t know exactly what I want, there’s an expectation that you’ll know what I want and deliver it to me. If you care about me, you should be able to tell. That puts you and your relationship up for disappointment and failure. If you’re serious about getting married, you’ll want a partner that is open and honest about what they want in a spouse. You can tell that they’re genuinely concerned about your success by their willingness to go the extra mile, even when it’s uncomfortable.
2. They have a good fight.
In a relationship, arguing is a natural and healthy part of the process. Even if they don’t agree with what’s happening, passive fighters succumb to the pressure and go along for the ride. In order to get their way, aggressive fighters will do whatever it takes, even if it means shouting and demeaning their opponent. Those who are assertive, on the other hand, are able to articulate their needs in a way that is both kind and direct.
As long as you respect and listen to each other, you can disagree. The other person’s perspective is validated, yet your requirements are still communicated.
3. They're willing to compromise.
Compromise doesn’t always imply going 50/50. It can also be in the form of taking turns or trading and exchanging. When assessing whether a potential spouse is a good fit for marriage, the most important factor is that they don’t expect everything to go their way all the time. When someone is prepared to make concessions, it shows that they value your opinion and will create room for it in the future.
4. They have a strong sense of empathy.
If I had power, I’d be able to grant everyone the capacity to see the world through the eyes of their mate. It’s logical that a willingness to think about how your partner is feeling will lead to a more sympathetic approach to conflict resolution. Empathy helps a person be a more supportive spouse overall, since they can truly share in their partner’s highs and lows.
5. They've been a great help.
You’ll want a spouse who’s made it plain that they’ll be there for you when things become tough, because it’s one of the greatest advantages of being married. Being around someone who is both a “cheerleader” and a “ride or die” when things go tough can make all the difference when dealing with life’s ups and downs.
6. Both of your worldviews are in sync.
Each partner should know what their deal breakers are and where the other stands on certain matters, but they don’t have to match completely. These discussions can include, but are not limited to, topics such as whether or not you want children and how you want to raise them, your sexual preferences, and your financial situation. To get to know each other on a more personal level, people look for personality and ethical compatibility earlier on, while they’re just chatting with friends or family.
7. Apologies are welcome, as is forgiveness.
They are more likely to survive terrible circumstances if they are able to express ‘I’m sorry,’ ‘I handled things incorrectly,’ or ‘Please forgive me’ Forgiveness, on the other hand, can help a relationship grow. Because neither of you is flawless, things will happen.