Searching for the Perfect Mate? 6 Traits You Should Always Look for

culled from:grandascent.com
It’s New Years and many people have had their first smooch of the year already. Although the New Year’s Kiss could be a metaphor for our relationships, in hopes of it leading to something great, it doesn’t really mean that it’s the person we will be happy with for the rest of our lives.

The reasons that we fall in love are a mystery, but the reasons that we stay in love far less elusive.

There is no such thing as the perfect partner, but an ideal partner can be found in someone that goes beyond just looks and appearances. While many of us seek specific qualities in a mate, there are certain psychological characteristics that you and your partner can aim for that make the relationship more passionate and fulfilling

Although we all have our idea of the perfect partner, here are 6 traits that exceed the type of partner you want and should be found in everyone.
#1) Maturity

Maturity is simply more than just being a grown-up. It’s not about the boyfriend or husband who forgets to take out the trash or who remembered your birthday. These qualities are nice to have but to truly be grow up means to make an effort recognize and resolve negative influences from our past.

When we’ve matured emotionally, you are less likely to re-enact or project pat experiences into your current relationship. In other words, a mature person doesn’t look for their partner to compensate for what happened to them in the past. Instead they are able to look beyond and learn from those mistakes to become a better person.

#2) Openness

Relationships should come with good communication. An ideal partner is open and vulnerable, willing to express flaws and is receptive to feedback and criticism.

When someone is free-thinking and open it helps them to be forthcoming to express feelings, thoughts, and any other vulnerabilities within the bond.

Perfect unions don’t exist, just as there is no such thing as a perfect person, so finding someone whom you can talk about and openly express yourself is of the utmost importance. Being willing to accept feedback, good or bad, from our partners helps us t develop as well.

#3) Honestly & Integrity

A relationship can’t stand without honesty. The ideal partner will realize the important of integrity and honesty within a relationship. Honestly builds trust between two people.

Dishonesty confuses and angers the other person, shattering their sense of what is real and what is simply a mirage. Dishonesty, the opposite of someone who is open, is one of the most destructive impacts on a relationship.

It’s unfair for anyone to be blatantly dishonest to their partner and expect the relationship to last. Being honest and true within a relationship opens ourselves up to getting to know our truest intentions.

#4) Respect & Independence

Ideal partners value each other’s independence and have a deep respect for each other. The support of an ideal partnership is unfailing support for one another.

Couple that are mature are sensitive to the wants, desires and needs of the other person, outside themselves. There is no controlling or manipulative behavior, only trust and assurance.

Having trust in your partner’s boundaries, while remaining close physically and emotionally allows us to get to know them as separate people.

#5) Empathy

the ideal mate is easily affectionate and responsive on many levels, being it physically, emotionally or verbally. Warmth and tenderness should abound in the relationship and not just be one-sided.

When looking for a partner, being open to giving and receiving affection adds more depth to our lives in more ways than one.

#6) Sense of Humor

Humor adds depth and fun to any relationship. A sense of humor can be a lifesaver in argumentative or other not so ideal situations that you and your partner find yourselves in.

The ability to laugh at your faults and life’s setbacks will strengthen the relationship to new heights, while easing the tense moments.

Being able to laugh at ourselves and at life makes it that much easier. Laughing with someone we love is one of life’s greatest gifts.

You may find that you have certain criteria for a potential mate, which is great, as everyone should have a list of qualities they find attractive in someone, but keeping the above list in mind will help you to weed out the princes from the frogs.