Relationship Readiness Checklist
Life as a single person can be a positive, fulfilling thing. Still, the time may come when you feel ready for love; ready to be in love with and be loved by the right person for you. But what expectations are you carrying for this next stage of life? Do you know what you need in a relationship for it to be successful? What you’re looking for in an ideal partner?
Taking the time to discover what you’re looking for in a relationship is crucial to the process, no matter whether you’re already dating or still looking for someone to invest time in. Knowing yourself and what you need in a relationship, as well as the sort of healthy boundaries needed is vital for a successful long-term partnership and can be discovered in the process of relationship therapy.
We at Resilience Counseling encourage you to take a closer look at yourself and your desires through our relationship readiness checklist. Our experts can help you become more aware of your physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, behavioral, and social health and how that may line up with a potential partner. When you understand these aspects of yourself, you can clearly define healthy boundaries and discover the kind of relationship conducive to your total well-being. In relationship therapy sessions, you and your partner can work together to keep your partnership well-balanced. Our licensed therapists can help set you up for healthy success as individuals and as a couple.
First, What Does Being in a Relationship Mean to You?
Only you can decide when you’re ready to settle down and spark a new relationship and determine what that commitment means for your life. While you may meet the person who could be the love of your life—a theme we’re familiar with from romance novels and idealized notions—a relationship isn’t a fantasy. A relationship typically consists of attraction, romance, and fun with a lover you may dream about, but there’s more to it. As exciting as it can be to share your life with someone, there’s conflict, too. Other aspects of relationships—which relationship therapists address—include intimacy, communication, and navigating your own and one another’s emotions.
Perfect relationships are not reality
Experiencing conflict, communication problems, and emotional issues you didn’t fantasize about doesn’t mean you’re in a bad relationship. Instead, it means you’re in a relationship that could deserve a chance to begin anew. Perhaps, it just needs professional attention. Willingness to attend relationship therapy when things are going wrong and right will equip you and your partner with self-exploration tools that enable you to be your best individually and together. At Resilience Counseling, our relationship therapists use tools like the Gottman Relationship Checkup and Prepare-Enrich Assessment to gain valuable insight that empowers you to grow together.
When Beginning A New Relationship: Relationship Readiness Checklist
Finding the right partner starts with knowing who you are. It requires you to step back and review your feelings, actions, and preferences. It requires you to explore your views of relationship aspects like intimacy, communication, connection, and more. Be as honest and comfortable with yourself as you can when answering the following questions in our relationship readiness checklist:
Connection
How much are you willing to invest in a relationship (time, finances, emotions, etc.)?
Are you seeking a long-term or short-term commitment?
How much closeness or space do you like?
Do you need someone to align with your values and morals?
Can you differentiate between tolerating each other and wholeheartedly accepting each other?
Communication
Is having incompatible communication styles a deal-breaker for you?
How do you feel about keeping secrets? Do you need a secret-free relationship?
What do you think of arguing? Are arguments helpful, or should they be avoided?
Do you know when to cool off before having a heated discussion? Can you communicate this well to your partner?
Conflict
Do you hold grudges and bring up arguments often?
Would you try to work through a crisis to avoid a breakup? Would you need your partner to feel obligated to do so, too?
Is forgiveness in a relationship important to you?
How well do you give apologies and accept them?
Emotional Well-Being
Are you aware of your attachment style?
If you’re honest with yourself, are you searching for love or attention?
Is receiving love or receiving validation your motive for pursuing relationships?
What is your idea of you and your partner mutually supporting each other?
Intimacy
Do you need physical affection in a relationship?
Do you and your partner share views regarding physical and emotional needs?
Can you comfortably voice your stance on wanted and unwanted physical touches?
Can you handle a strictly physical relationship, or would you need a connection on other levels?
Healthy Boundaries Are Must-Haves
In a relationship, your partner can significantly influence your life. How you coexist with them and nurture your partnership can impact your functioning and well-being. However, you don’t want to lose yourself in the relationship or make everything about your partner. One way you can avoid doing so is by setting boundaries. Healthy boundaries are your emotional, mental, and physical limits to protect yourself. They enable you to express what behaviors, actions, and conversations you deem acceptable and unacceptable. Consider reflecting on your answers to the relationship readiness checklist above and using them to create healthy boundaries. Professionals can help you through this process in individual or relationship therapy. Ultimately, you should want a partner who respects and supports your boundaries in a relationship. They may even help you set new healthy boundaries as necessary for you both.
Relationship Therapy Can Help You Cultivate A Healthy Partnership
Like individual and group therapy, relationship therapy is more than just a space to seek solace when conflict occurs. In therapy sessions, caring experts support and encourage you to explore and tap into your individual and couple potential. Reach out to us at Resilience Counseling if you desire love and intimacy and want to give and receive it carefully. We’ll help you create and communicate healthy boundaries and expectations with your partner. Working with our compassionate counselors gives you the tools to experience healing and growth in every aspect of your important relationships.
