What Are Some Good Attributes To Look For In A Potential Partner?

Finding a partner can be a lot more involved than merely being attracted to a person's looks and personality. In fact, there are many specific things that some people may look for when trying to find the right fit.

What are good attributes to look for in a potential partner?

In this article, we’ll discuss many of the different factors that lots of people might consider to be good attributes in potential suitors, which should help you get an idea of what you may want to look for as well.

Maturity

While it can be okay to be silly sometimes and let loose, finding a mature partner can also be a priority for just about anyone. When a person is mature, they are typically able to be effective communicators, may be responsible, and can often commit to a relationship better than those who are immature.

A mature partner can work to find a solution

A mature partner might also be open to growing as an individual and as a couple, and when problems arise, they can work to find a solution rather than criticize and make things worse. They are often able and ready to face any discomfort and unpleasantness without worrying about things falling apart.

Overall, having someone mature by your side can help reaffirm that they are someone that you can depend on, even when facing adversity.

Respectfulness

Without respect, a relationship may be bound to fall apart over time. Respect can be a foundational piece of any healthy relationship; after all, viewing another person as your equal and understanding their worth can be a key part of approaching conflict and bonding in a healthy manner. 

A partner who respects you may pay better attention to your boundaries

Someone who respects you may pay attention to your boundaries and encourage you to be your truest self, which can help you thrive as an individual and as a partner in your relationship.

Understanding

Not only should a good partner likely respect the other's point of view, but they may also go out of their way to try to understand why they think that way. 

An understanding partner might try to ask questions (respectfully, of course) to learn where they are coming from and gain a new perspective on whatever the topic might be.

Who knows, by doing this, you might reach a middle-ground or even change your mind about some things..

Trustworthiness

Almost no one wants to be in a relationship with someone they can't trust, and like respect, it can be crucial in every functioning relationship.

Unlike the previous two good attributes, knowing whether or not a person can be trusted can be a challenging task. Many times, people can have a basic level of trust with a person that may not be questioned until it’s broken. In other words, we may tend to trust people who don’t deserve it by default.

As a result, true and deep trust often comes with time. But someone who wants to earn your trust may take care to listen to and understand you, support you, and stay true to their word.

Self-discipline

People who are disciplined may be extremely aware of their inner strengths and surroundings, and they are also often in-tune with what others might be thinking as well. They can also have enough foresight to determine what kind of consequences their actions can have in the future.

Partners with self-discipline know how to stay away from temptation

Someone who has a great sense of self-control and discipline may have the willpower to stay away from self-indulgent and other tempting behaviors. For example, if they are arguing, they might refrain from using personal attacks and criticism to gain the upper hand, and instead, may wait a little longer to think things through.

Humility

The ability to set your ego aside and approach things objectively may be something that all people should strive for, not just when looking for a partner.

Partners with humility admit when they are wrong

Someone who does this can likely admit when they are wrong and try to make compromises. Relationships aren't about being right all of the time and trying to "win," at least not in a healthy situation; instead, they should typically be about looking out for each other's interests or even setting aside your own to make your partner happy.

However, if you meet someone who doesn't seem to be very humble right away, don't count them out just yet. Even arrogant individuals can improve and become better in this area through practice and learning how to be better listeners. Still, qualities like having empathy and putting others' needs first or simply being able to accept that you are wrong and apologize can be extremely attractive to many.

Humor

To many people, laughter is the key to their heart, and a good sense of humor can be a person's most valuable trait. By being able to make another individual laugh or vice-versa, you can become much more approachable and open up to each other easier.

However, humor has a lot of other uses that you might not have originally thought of. For example, it can a way to diffuse conflict and reduce tension. 

Don't get too caught up if they don't have the same humor as you do, and instead, focus on how it makes you feel. Does it make your interactions more enjoyable? Even if you have contrasting styles, you can still have fun. 

Passion

Having passion and ambition can be good attributes for people to have because these things may be necessary to help people achieve their goals. Without them, some people might not aspire to do anything, and this can also apply to relationships as well.

A passion for the relationship may mean that you care about it and are willing to do whatever it takes to maintain it and keep your partner happy. There may be rough patches and tough times along the way, but passion can be what drives good couples through them.

Before getting into a relationship with someone, see how they feel about other aspects in his or her life. Do they want to have a great career and have things that they get excited about? If yes, chances are, they might invest the same positive energy into you and a relationship, too.

Honesty

As the saying goes, "honesty is the best policy," and even if something can potentially be upsetting, it's usually still better to be truthful than to lie.