Are You Finally Dating One Of The “Good Ones”? Here’s How You Know

Not all men are evil, nor are all women. But sometimes, when you date enough bad eggs, you naturally start to think that everyone’s out to get you. If you’re feeling unsure about your brand new relationship, here’s how to tell if your partner is actually one of the “good ones.”

  1. When they’re out at the store, they buy you your favorite treat. Of course, this can be seen as enabling if you’re trying to lose weight, but if you’re not, it’ll tell you everything you need to know about this person. It shows that even while doing mundane tasks, your new boyfriend or girlfriend is thinking about you. Little kind gestures like this are worth a lot more than big, expensive gifts.
  2. When you stay over, they make sure you have everything you need. Nothing is weirder than that very first night at your new partner’s house. Even if they tell you to feel like you’re home, you’re bound to have forgotten something key, like contact solution or a change of underwear. Your significant other won’t be able to predict the future, but they will have a few items set aside, and also let you know where the nearest CVS or Walgreens is for anything you may have forgotten.
  3. They’re prepared to meet your family. They’ve asked a few questions beforehand and did a little research, just so they know that they’ll have something to talk about with them. It’s scary to meet the family, but your new partner knows that making a good first impression with them is key.
  4. They don’t make the money chat awkward. It’s 2019, which means that we’re totally over the “guy pays for everything” date. The better rule is, the person who asked the other out should be prepared to pick up the bill, but the other person should try to contribute — or spring for dessert afterward. No matter what, it’s a casual and easy conversation. You don’t feel like they’re being stingy or using you.
  5. They don’t make you feel bad at events that might not be their top interest. When you’re part of a couple, you make sacrifices. That’s why you’ll go to a few Marvel movies that you don’t want to see because you’re more invested in spending time together than what’s on screen. But, this needs to be equal. Your guy or girl should have no problem accompanying you to see your favorite band without making a stink about it. It’s just things we do for each other. Relationships should never make you feel lonely.
  6. They don’t need the passcode for your phone. Why should they? They trust you. Even though being suspicious with your phone is a top sign that you’re cheating, they aren’t looking for reasons why this relationship will fall apart. They know what being in an honest relationship is like, and they also know how to communicate with you if something comes up.
  7. They don’t rush you into doing anything you’re uncomfortable with. Whether it’s having sex or moving in together, your significant other is all about respecting your pace. If there’s a timeline they’re not happy about, they’ll talk to you about it, not just make you feel bad or pressure you into something you don’t want to do. Anyone who tests your comfort zone isn’t the one.
  8. They’re able to poke fun at themselves. You don’t want to date a perfectionist because then you’ll keep wondering whether or not he or she has you under the microscope. Instead, you want to be someone who knows that nobody’s perfect, but is content with who they are. If they have a good sense of humor, your relationship with them will never stress you out.
  9. They always have something fun planned for your birthday. Birthday’s are special since there’s no other holiday that’s focused around you. If you want to feel a little self-centered, that’s the right time to do so. Not only do you not have to remind your significant other that your birthday is coming up, but you know they already made reservations or planned a party. They like having the chance to celebrate you.
  10. They’ve found a way to bond with your best friend’s significant other. It’s easy to plan events that are just the four of you since there’s good chemistry between everyone. You may even have a group chat between you. That means your partner is investing a lot into their relationship with you and is in this for the long haul.
  11. Things didn’t drastically change the second you became official. Every relationship cools down after a little bit, and things become less intense. That’s all part of exiting the “honeymoon stage.” But if they went from being doting to cold, that’s another story. You’ve found a “good one” if they make sure to keep it up with the compliments and make sure your relationship stays fresh. If they give up since they feel like they got what they wanted, you might question who you’re actually dating.
Karen Belz is a New Jersey native who is currently living in Maryland. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Speech Communication with a focus in Broadcasting and Print Media Studies from Millersville University of Pennsylvania. Since graduating, she has written for sites like LittleThings, HelloGiggles, and Scary Mommy and is currently an e-commerce editor at Bustle.

When she's not writing, she enjoys making her phone run out of memory after taking too many photos of her dog. You can find her on Twitter @karenebelz or on Instagram @karenbelz.
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