Long term relationships are something to look forward to, what’s not to like about a best friend to love and be your weird self with. Some of us are completely gung-ho for a committed and blossoming partnership and it’s a beautiful thing. But before you hop on for the long run, consider the following before entering a long term relationship:

1. Love yourself

This is the probably the most important step for a successful long term relationship. Though cliché, if you don’t accept yourself, how can you expect your significant other to do so? No one is perfect or expects you to be so as long as you’re willing to improve yourself, don’t put yourself down. Confidence in yourself will fight the evil monster we call jealousy and remind yourself of your worth.

2. Experiment

Once you’ve loved yourself completely and disgustingly (no EGO though), get out there and try out the market. Having zero dating experience will trip you up many times, it’s better to have an idea of what works and what doesn’t. If you keep fishing for the next one, in hopes of a better one, you’ll never want to commit to the one you’re with. Sometimes hook up culture can be beneficial, but know when to stop the nasty train.

3. Show pride the front door

Throw it out, let it go, just let it goooo. There’s nothing more ugly than pride sticking it’s head into arguments and cold wars. There really isn’t a place for it in a relationship, love or friendship. Sometimes you need to step up to the plate and apologize if you screwed up. And don’t mistaken pride for self-respect, they are completely different things.

4. Get hurt

I know it sucks but getting hurt will help you appreciate the one you’re with 1000 times more. You can go through tons of relationships feeling indifferent and be proud of lack of pain but in reality, that just meant you weren’t really into the other person. When you do feel the sting of an argument or the detachment of someone important, you’ll understand what the real deal feels like. What doesn’t kill you really does make you stronger.

5. Open up

If you’re going to be spending a lot of time with your partner, you better be prepared to hear and experience things completely out of your comfort zone. Decide for yourself to accept the new instead of passing quick judgement. The beauty of a relationship comes when two people merge together and share an experience. Cheesy I know but awesome.

6. Let go

If you’re still harboring feelings for an ex or lusting after a first love then you’re not ready for a long term relationship. Don’t use the other person as a way to forget your ex, you’ll end up developing comparing the two and somebody’s-gonna-get-a-hurt from your second thoughts. I’m not telling you to forget the past, I’m suggesting you tuck away those memories into a special folder of happy thoughts that from time to time bring a smile to your face.

Are you ready for a long term relationship?

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