1. You're not afraid of commitment
You aren't afraid to commit and to put yourself in a situation with someone who also doesn't fear it. If you are afraid of commitment, work it out before starting a relationship.

2. You trust your partner
If you trust your partner, you don't feel the need to go through their e-mail, phone, social media accounts, or journal. But if you do, it strongly indicates you don't trust them, and you're violating their trust in you.

3. You don't think you're superior
If you feel like your partner is inferior in any way that matters to you in a mate — morally, intellectually, financially, socially, or professionally — then you're never going to respect your partner the way you should (and would expect to be respected back).

4. You don't take part in any substance abuse or questionable behavior
Anyone abusing a substance or behavior is cheating on the relationship with a drug of choice. You deserve better and so much more.

5. You don't depend on them for things no one can/should supply
However, suppose you're looking for your partner to resolve your emotional issues, make you more responsible or successful, financially support you, improve your social standing, expand your group of friends, and provide you with the family you never had. In that case, it's possible you shouldn't be in a relationship. Or, at least not yet.

6. You put it all on the line
Relationships are risky. So if you're not risking a potential heartbreak, you're not doing it right.

7. You don't swerve from serious topics
All the things you're not supposed to talk about on a first date — religion, money, politics, and children — are the things you should discuss with someone you are serious about.

8. You look past your skepticism when it comes to love
Even if you're sometimes a cynic and fear the cliche, you still do deeply and unapologetically romantic things for your partner. You send flowers, request love songs, write notes, and have the bracelet engraved. You call your partner and tell them the specific thing they did this morning you loved and made you fall even more in love.

9. You humble yourselves
You know you can't hide your flaws for long, so don't try. You know you're going to mess up and you will need to apologize and forgive endless times. You recognize you signed up for all of this. We all want to be in a relationship. This is part of being a human being. But, for some, you've been hurt in the past and are scared of making another mistake.