There is no magical sign to indicate when someone special walks into our lives, like bells ringing or a rainbow appearing. Unfortunately, life doesn’t work that way, especially when it comes to love and relationships.
You could be with the right person if there’s a strong sense of connection, a shared comfort in being vulnerable, and an unspoken understanding that exists even in silence. If you’re emotionally supported, valued, and feel empowered to be your best self, that’s another clear indicator. Mutual respect, understanding, and a common vision for the future are also important factors.
Love is sweet when you’re truly with the right person (Photo: Getty Images)However, reality can be harsh, as many people are emotionally scarred by past betrayals or manipulative relationships. In today’s world, emotions and feelings are often dismissed by those who show no remorse, making it challenging to trust or believe in the concepts of ‘love’ and ‘relationships.’
Those of us who have been hurt in the past are likely to view relationships through a different lens. Betrayals and heartbreaks may have forced us to rewrite the list of qualities we desire in a partner. The pain of being deceived may have even made us question our own approach to love.
If you find yourself in a toxic relationship or feel that childhood trauma has affected how you connect with others, it’s time to break the cycle. Before attracting the right partner, you need to prioritize your healing. Loving yourself first will allow you to invite the right person into your life.
Re-entering the dating world signals that you have healed from your past and are ready to start fresh. It shows you’ve learned from past experiences and are now prepared for healthier relationships.
After healing, which will be different for everyone, it’s important to recognize the signs that can help you identify the right person. These signs are universal, transcending race, age, and culture.
We are naturally drawn to those who share our passions, right? Not necessarily an exact match, but we tend to gravitate toward people who seem to be aligned with our interests.
This simply means that engaging in activities you enjoy can increase the likelihood of meeting someone special. Whether it’s sports, volunteering, or exercising, pursuing your passions puts you in the right place to meet like-minded people.
In most cases, we connect best with those who share similar goals and values. This is far more effective than online dating, as it gives you a chance to see the real person before taking things to the next level.
Signs to Look Out for When Dating the Right Person
1. They Show Genuine Interest in You: The person you’re dating must show real interest. While some people may appear engaged in the conversation, it becomes clear over time if they are only pretending. Signs that the right person is genuinely interested include:
- They initiate plans or conversations with you.
- They maintain eye contact and listen intently.
- They seek to understand you—your achievements, interests, and what motivates you.
Compliments on how you look are nice to hear, but they don’t always reflect true interest.
2. They’re Not in Another Relationship: While this might seem obvious, it’s better to know early on whether the person is in a relationship rather than discovering it later. They might not wear a ring, but they may be seeing someone.
Instead of snooping on social media, casually observe if they attend events alone and ask about their weekend plans. You’ll likely find out if they’re already dating someone. It’s always appropriate to inquire whether the person is currently in a relationship.
3. They Reach Out After Your First Date: If they take the time to reach out, whether through text or a call, to let you know they enjoyed your time together, that’s a great sign. If you’re left wondering whether they’re interested, that likely indicates a lack of investment in the relationship.
4. They Open Up, But Respect Boundaries: Just as they’re eager to learn more about you, they should also be willing to share about themselves within reasonable limits.
It’s a red flag if someone burdens you with the heavy details of their life too early on, especially if it involves unresolved emotional baggage like past relationships. These kinds of emotionally loaded conversations should be avoided early on. Additionally, they should talk about their vision for the future and see if it aligns with yours.
If you’re still in the process of healing, it might be best to take a step back before starting a new relationship.
5. Observe How They Treat Others: One of the clearest ways to gauge a person’s character is by how they treat people they don’t have to impress. Watch how they interact with service staff or strangers, and listen carefully to their comments about others. If they are rude or dismissive, don’t make excuses for their behavior.
People who show disrespect to others often have a deeper character flaw, and no amount of justification can excuse rudeness or insensitivity.
6. Honesty is a Must: You’ll quickly know if someone is honest by their actions. If they go out of their way to return something they didn’t pay for, that’s a sign of integrity. They’ll answer your questions truthfully, especially about things that matter to you.
7. They Keep Their Word: A person who keeps their promises doesn’t make you chase after them or second-guess their intentions. If they cancel plans, they should notify you in advance and explain. A lack of consideration for your time is a serious red flag.
The right person will never leave you in doubt or force you to do all the emotional heavy lifting.
8. How They Make You Feel: The final test for determining if someone is the right person for you comes down to how they make you feel. After spending time together, ask yourself:
- Do they make you feel good about yourself?
- Are you excited to see them again?
- Do they inspire you to take better care of yourself?
- Do you want to be a better version of yourself because of them?
- Do they add value to your life?
If the answer is yes to these questions, then you have likely found someone worth investing in. Feel free to share your thoughts on this, as I’d love to hear your feedback. Stay healthy and God bless!