Romance

14 Totally Reasonable Relationship Expectations You Should Have For Your Partner

In a committed relationship, both partners need to meet certain expectations in order to have a healthy and fulfilling partnership. While it is important to also fulfill your responsibilities in the relationship, there are certain things that your partner should provide as a minimum. Here are some examples of things that you should expect from your significant other.

1. Complete And Total Honesty

Honesty is a crucial component of a healthy and strong relationship. Without honesty, the foundation of the relationship is weakened and it becomes difficult to trust your partner. It is important to expect and demand honesty at all times to maintain a stable and loving partnership. Of all the expectations in a relationship, honesty is perhaps the most essential.

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2. The Ability To Trust Him

Trust is an important aspect of any healthy relationship. It is essential that you can trust your partner completely and not have any reservations or doubts about their intentions or actions. You should feel safe with your partner in all ways, including physically, mentally, and emotionally. A lack of trust can damage the foundation of a relationship, so it is important to expect and establish trust with your significant other.

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3. An Equal Partnership

In a healthy and balanced relationship, both partners should contribute equally, regardless of differences in income. It is important to not just expect, but also demand a sense of balance and equality in the partnership. This means that where one partner excels or takes on more responsibilities, the other should be willing to support and assist in other areas. It is important to remember that both partners are equals and should be treated as such. Gender roles and dynamics have evolved significantly in recent years, and it is reasonable to expect equal treatment and contribution in a relationship.

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4. Emotional And Mental Support

In a mature and supportive relationship, it is reasonable to expect your partner to be there for you during times of difficulty or stress. Whether you are facing a tough day, a challenging week, or family drama, your partner should be supportive and willing to work together with you to find solutions and make things better. A relationship is not just a friendship or romance, but a partnership in which both individuals work as a team to support and care for each other. It is important to have someone you can rely on and turn to during difficult times.

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5. Alone Time

In a healthy and loving relationship, it is important to have a balance of togetherness and individual time. Even if you are deeply in love with your partner, it is still healthy to expect and prioritize a decent amount of alone time to allow for personal reflection and the opportunity to pursue individual interests and activities. This is not only beneficial for maintaining a sense of independence, but it also allows both partners to continue functioning as separate individuals, rather than becoming completely reliant on each other. Having alone time is an important aspect of a healthy and balanced relationship.

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6. A Trusting Partner

In a healthy and trusting relationship, both partners should respect each other's autonomy and give each other space and privacy when needed. You should be able to trust your partner and not feel the need to constantly check in or seek permission for your actions. Similarly, you should expect and respect your partner's privacy and not intrude on their personal time or space. A sense of trust and respect for each other's independence is crucial in a healthy and fulfilling relationship.

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7. A Healthy Sex Life

While sex is not the only important aspect of a relationship, it is a significant component that should be maintained and nurtured. Sex provides not only physical pleasure, but also comfort and intimacy. It is reasonable to expect a healthy and active sex life with your partner. In addition to this, it is important to be able to discuss and explore sexual fantasies with your partner in an open and non-judgmental manner. A safe and accepting environment is crucial for maintaining a fulfilling and satisfying sexual relationship.

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More Relationship Expectations You Should Have For Your Partner

1. Adequate Affection

Physical affection, including but not limited to sex, is an important part of a healthy and satisfying relationship. It is reasonable to expect affection from your partner in the form of cuddling, kissing, and holding hands, as these actions release oxytocin, also known as the "cuddle hormone" or "love hormone," which helps to create a strong bond between people. While sex is a form of physical affection, it is important to also have non-sexual forms of affection in a relationship. These acts of affection are not just normal expectations, but also necessary for relationship satisfaction.

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2. Respect

Respect is a fundamental and non-negotiable aspect of any healthy relationship. It is not only reasonable, but necessary to expect and demand respect from your partner at all times. It should not be difficult for your partner to show you respect and it should come naturally as a result of their love and appreciation for you. Without respect, a relationship cannot thrive.

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3. Alone Time Together

It is important to have a balance of alone time and quality time together in a healthy relationship. While it is okay to relax and watch movies together, it is also important to prioritize one-on-one time with your partner and make an effort to spend time together without distractions. This could involve setting up a regular date night or making time for each other on a regular basis. It is important to prioritize and make time for each other, even if life is busy, and you should expect this from your partner as well.

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4. Understanding

Love and relationships can be complex, as people express and experience love in different ways. It is important to be understanding and willing to accept these differences to have a healthy and long-lasting relationship. Both partners should be open to taking the time to understand each other and appreciate their unique ways of expressing love. A relationship that can withstand the challenges of time requires understanding and the expectation that your partner will make an effort to understand you.

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5. Communication

Effective communication is a crucial aspect of any healthy relationship, and it is important to expect and demand good communication from your partner. If your partner is unable or unwilling to communicate with you in a positive and constructive way, then this is a problem that needs to be addressed. It is reasonable to expect good communication skills from your partner, as this is a fundamental part of being in a relationship. Good communication should be a given in any mature and healthy partnership.

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6. Laughter

The ability to find joy and laughter in a relationship is an important aspect of maintaining a healthy and fulfilling partnership. Both partners should be able to laugh at themselves, each other, and the absurdities of life. The ability to not take things too seriously and to find ways to smile and laugh even during difficult times is important for maintaining a positive and strong relationship. This is a reasonable expectation to have of your partner and will contribute to the overall happiness and success of the partnership.

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7. Effort

In a healthy relationship, it is important for both partners to actively contribute to the strength and well-being of the partnership. While a relationship should not feel like a burden or constant hard work, it is important for both partners to be present and aware of each other's needs and to work together to ensure that both individuals feel happy, secure, and supported. It is not unreasonable to expect your partner to put in the effort to maintain the health and happiness of the relationship. With effort and commitment from both partners, it is possible to have a strong and fulfilling relationship.

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How To Ensure Your Relationship Expectations Are Met

1. Set Clear Boundaries From The Beginning

It is important to clearly communicate your expectations and boundaries to your partner from the start of the relationship in order to establish a healthy and respectful dynamic. Your partner needs to know what you will and will not accept, as well as what you expect and are willing to offer in return. It is important to set these standards from the beginning, rather than trying to change the dynamic of the relationship later on. It is important to establish a healthy and respectful foundation for the relationship in the early stages.

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2. Call Your Partner Out On Their Crap

If your partner is not meeting your reasonable relationship expectations, it is important to communicate this to them. If your partner engages in behavior that is disrespectful, dishonest, or takes you for granted, it is important to address this and not simply let it slide. Doing so will only lead to resentment and may communicate that the behavior is acceptable.

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3. Lead By Example

It is important to remember that any expectations you have of your partner in the relationship should be expectations that you are also willing to fulfill. In order to have a fair and healthy relationship, it is crucial to treat your partner with the same level of respect, consideration, and care that you expect from them. By setting a good example and consistently treating your partner with respect and kindness, you can encourage them to do the same. It is important to be consistent in your treatment of your partner and to remember to treat them the way you would like to be treated.

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4. Don't Ignore Red Flags

It is important to address any issues or concerns that arise in a relationship in order to maintain a healthy and positive dynamic. If you notice red flags or toxic patterns emerging in your relationship, it is crucial to address these issues rather than ignoring them in an attempt to maintain harmony. Ignoring problems or red flags will not lead to a healthy or successful relationship in the long run.

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5. Keep The Lines Of Communication Open

Effective communication is crucial for ensuring that the needs of both partners are met in a relationship. It is important to regularly and honestly communicate with your partner so that you are both aware of each other's needs and can work together to meet them. By maintaining open and honest communication, you can ensure that both partners are happy, healthy, and thriving as a couple. It is not fair to expect your partner to anticipate your needs if you do not express them clearly.

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