Look, dating is HARD. Sometimes, you just can't tell if your new love interest is the real deal. When do you know?!
Luckily for us, Reddit user u/CircleBox2 recently posed the question, "What are some GREEN flags early on in dating that the relationship should become serious?"
So here are the best responses that we should all keep in mind during the early days of a new romance:
1. "Being able to make each other laugh. Understanding the other person’s sense of humor is critical in long relationships."
2. "When you are around them, you feel like you're the best version of yourself/the person you want to be. They aren't changing you so much as naturally bringing out your preferred version of your genuine self."
3. "When, during an argument, both parties take time to listen and respond thoughtfully to their partner and show genuine concern for the distress in their partner, even if it is small."
4. "Did they return their shopping cart to the cart return after grocery shopping? I stand by shopping cart theory as a good indicator of a person's moral compass."
5. "If they treat you well when it all goes sideways. Many people are good at being loving when life is easy — their true selves show when life is hard."
"Smaller examples of this might be: how do they treat you when they're sick or stressed out? Well worth paying attention to."
6. "They find the little things that separate you from everyone else and celebrate them."
"My wife pinpointed my hearing disability from the jump and made it known that she didn’t mind learning ways to communicate with me when I’m in an environment where I can’t hear well."
7. "You genuinely enjoy one another's company during dull moments. Life's full of them and you are going to want a partner who you can enjoy them with."
8. "If you set a boundary, and they respect it."
"If you say that you are more comfortable meeting them at the date location after they offer you a ride, they shouldn’t insist on picking you up."
9. "They're okay with spending time apart. A significant other that can spend their own time alone and doesn't absolutely need you to be happy is a major green flag."
"You should make each others' lives better, not become each others' entire lives."
10. "Open communication about sex and feelings. Holding that stuff in for too long can lead to built-up resentment, communication breakdown, confusion, depression...all sorts of issues down the road."
11. "The ability to apologize. If your partner never sees their faults, it'll never work."
12. "Encourages growth, but doesn't try to change your foundation."
13. "Comfortable silences. If you can enjoy each other’s company without needing a distraction, you’re usually golden."
14. "They remember small details from your conversations. It means they pay attention to you and what your interests are."
15. And finally, "You can go on a road trip together and still like each other at the end of it."
Some submissions have been edited for length and/or clarity.