11 qualities to look out for in your future spouse

culled from:pulse.ng

Besides physical attraction, there are other qualities to look out for before settling with someone as your life partner.

You need to plan ahead and keep these vital qualities in mind while dating, before making your final decision on Mr or Mrs Right.

Below are 11 things you need to look out for in your future spouse:

1. Their relationship with God: If they have God at the centre of their life, then you can be sure He'll be at the centre of your marriage. This is important because rather than fighting different battles in the flesh you can do it through the Holy Spirit.
2. Respect: Watch the way they treat people, including their family members and friends. When you go to a restaurant together, how do they treat the server? This is a major indicator of where their heart is and how they will treat you on the long run. You want a spouse that will value and esteem you.
3. Unconditional love: Does your future spouse do things out of the kindness of his/her heart or are they just opportunists? A person who often does good deeds expecting nothing in return has learned the art of unselfishness and will be a joy to live with.
4. Honesty: Genuinely honest people are rare to find. If you have found someone with this quality, hold on to them. If a person tells countless lies and shows no remorse behind it; run as fast as you can in the opposite direction. They'll make your life miserable if you settle down with them.
5. Loyalty: The best way to find out this, is to observe the way they treat their family and friends. Do they prioritize these relationships and set aside time to cultivate and maintain them? A loyal spouse is a great support system in the midst of inevitable change.
6. A supporter: Your spouse will either be your biggest fan or your greatest discouragement. Find out whether or not this person is truly interested in your dreams, wishes and aspirations. Be interested in their goals too.
7. Compatibility: Do you two complement each other's strengths and weaknesses? It's good to have things in common but it is equally important that you two will be able to sharpen one another and grow in maturity.
8. Sense of humour: Laughter can go a long way and can cut through the twists and turns in life. Find someone that can make you laugh, and also bring peace to stressful situations.
9. How they treat children: The ability to be gentle, kind and tender with children will be an advantage, especially if you plan on having kids. It's not a deal breaker, but it's nice to have a playful partner from time to time. It will keep you young and bring joy to family life.
10. Emotional stability: Do they make you feel whole or torn? Emotional damage from a spouse can take the longest to heal. Your spouse should build you up and protect you emotionally, not tear you apart. Your heart should trust safely in them.
11. Good listener: Watch how they listen and see if they are truly listening or just waiting to make their next point. An active listener always considers the other person and seeks to understand before being understood.