When you’re wrapped up in the excitement of new love, it’s hard to tell if the bond you share with your partner is the real deal or just seems that way because you’re still in the honeymoon phase. 

So how can you discern early on if this relationship actually has staying power or not?

1. Knowing that you have faith in one another, in yourselves, and in your relationship, means that your relationship is bound to last for a long, long time – and most likely, forever.

2. If the both of you trust each other, then the relationship is certain to be strong. You trust your partner to communicate with you, and to not hurt you, cheat on you or lie to you, have each other’s backs and do not keep secrets.

3. It can be easy to take our partners for granted. We don’t always mean to do it, but sometimes it can happen. Still, having gratitude towards your partner is one of the things that every relationship needs.

4. Strong communication is key to a relationship that lasts forever and “Couples who are able to effectively communicate are able to understand one another and experience greater intimacy". Being able to talk about your emotions, the things that bother you, and even the good things is what a relationship is all about.

5. Respect for one another’s emotions, opinions, autonomy and life goals - all of those things are extremely important for a relationship to last forever. Your goals work together to make your lives together work in harmony.

6. If both partners are able to endure an illness, money difficulties, family issues, or a life-changing experience that has caused great stress, and the support they are able to give one another is a lasting memory that can bare the fullness of time. When both people put effort into the relationship, it will stay strong forever.

7. Do you want to make this work? Do you want your relationship to last forever? That determination has to come from both partners or else, the relationship is entirely one-sided! But when both partners feel that same determination, the relationship will undoubtedly last forever