By Janna Fond for GalTime.com

3 TIPS TO CHOOSING A PARTNER YOU CAN GROW WITH

You met at the right time and everything just fell into place. Youve dated plenty of other people but it has never felt this right. Youre ready to move past casual dating and take the next step. A big, scary, exciting step. When you find someone with whom youre ready to take that leap with, it isnt unusual to struggle with a lot of thoughts: Does this have a shot at the long run? Is what Im feeling for real? Will they be there through all the times, not just the easy ones but the truly challenging moments as well?

Here are three suggestions on how you can give yourself a little assurance that youre choosing a partner whos good for more than just dinner and a movie.

The Psychology of Dating

LOOK INTO THE FUTURE

First off, find out what they want for themselves and their own future. Youve probably already talked about it; now its time to run it through your own internal filter. Do they say that they want someone that they can just have fun with and dont want anything more serious? Well, if they do, then believe them. This person isnt going to want to grow old with you. Does that person say they arent interested in marriage? Again, believe them. The number one mistake that people make is that they will hear an answer from a partner and they think to themselves that the other person will change or they must not mean that. Well, let me set the record straight for you, they mean what they say and to take it for anything else is inaccurate and you will be the one hurting down the road.

5 Signs He DOESNT Love You

I THINK IM IN THE RIGHT PLACE, HOW ABOUT YOU?

There is a subtle question that can be asked during a first, second or third date: What kind of relationship do you want for yourself for the future? If theyre offended by the question or think its premature to ask, well, theres your answer. They arent interested in growth. I find that many people dont ask enough questions, especially in the early, golden era of the relationship. They worry that it will scare their potential mate away or that theyre being too inquisitive.

If you dont ask, you wont know. Consequently, many people go on dating the same person for months or years without really knowing if theres anything more than the present. Curiosity is a key to growth. The more you know about a subject, the more of an informed decision you can make. You dont go out looking at cars and settle on something without doing a little (or a lot of) research. The more you know about a potential mate the better decision youre likely to make. It shouldnt be an inquisition, but rather curiosity at its normal, respectful pace. Ask, and remember to tell them where youre at, too.

TRUST YOUR GUT

Many of my clients say that they knew early on if someone wasnt right or that this person probably wouldnt be someone that they would stay with for the long term. They, however, ignored their gut reaction and now find themselves in a mess. Many have a good sense when there are red flags or other indications; my advice is to listen to that little voice inside yourself. You know yourself better than anyone. You know whats best for you. A partner that you can grow can benefit you in so many ways. Dont hobble yourself by choosing the wrong person.

Need a little more GalTime ?

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Dr. Janna Fond, PsyD, LMFT is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a private practice in the San Francisco Bay Area. She has helped thousands of clients over the years dealing with numerous issues from family and personal relationships to intimacy and deeper couples problems. Her new book, Everything Will Be OK: Blending Psychology and Spirituality to Heal Ourselves , offers practical reassurance on how to overcome challenges that seem impossible to resolve. For more information visit www.jannafond.com .