Long-Term Relationship: Five Questions Guys Should Ask Before Getting Serious

Relationships are about sacrifice and commitment. We want someone who will be there for us, stay loyal, and committed for the entirety of the relationship. Often times, however, one person will want more in a serious relationship than the other will. For a long-term commitment to work, both persons in the relationship must be looking for the same dating goals, or else one person will always want more than the other has to give. This article will discuss five questions for guys to ask their partner to determine if they are prepared for a long-term commitment.

1. What are your goals for us for the future?

As a guy, I know how hard it is to commit to one person in a relationship for an extended period. Guys are reluctant to get tied down for two main reasons, fear of commitment, and fear of getting attached to someone who will end up hurting them. The number one question for guys to ask their partner before getting serious is what their goals for the relationship are. If they want a serious relationship for the long-term they will express this, however, they may just tell you they want to see where things go over the course of the relationship. If your partner is committed for long-term success, they will express the same feelings.

2. Are you looking for marriage?

Asking if your partner is looking for marriage may seem like a stretch for most guys, but it is an important question to ask. If they are looking for the same thing you are, then chances are the relationship will flourish, however, if you are looking for a wife and she isn't looking for a husband than the relationship will suffer in the long-run.

3. What are your views on kids?

The question on children is an important one to ask in case of accidental conception, and for future arrangements. Having children with someone will bond you forever; whether that is a good or bad thing is personal opinion. If you have been dreaming about having two kids your whole life, and your partner is not on the same page it will lead to complications later on in the relationship.

4. How have your past long-term relationships ended?

We may not tell our partner every little detail about our past, but if your potential love interest is a serial dater, she may not be the one. If her past relationships ended poorly it may not have been her fault, but look for clear warning signs of her bashing her ex and giving excuses for why they did not work out. If she is bashing her ex to you, just imagine what will happen if you two break up.

5. Do you like my friends?

According to the University of Texas at Austin Counseling and Metal Health Center website, friends are an important part of every healthy relationship. Friendships are often sacrificed during long-term relationships; however, this behavior is not healthy. Friendships give you your own space away from the relationship, which is beneficial for both parties. Both partners should be able to accept one another's friends as long as the friendships are not damaging to the relationship.

Sources:

Personal experience

http://cmhc.utexas.edu/healthyrelationships.html