Tired of the dating scene? Wondering if you’ll ever find that special someone? I get it. It’s tough out there, sifting through the sea of faces, trying to figure out who’s the real deal and who’s just playing games. But fear not, my friend, because I’ve got your back. Today, we’re focusing on the seven signs to look for in a potential spouse. So buckle up and get ready for some eye-opening insights!

Now, before we jump into the signs to look for in a potential spouse, let’s take a moment to acknowledge something. You might be feeling a bit overwhelmed right now. You’ve probably been burned in the past; maybe you even had your heart broken once or twice. And that’s okay. It’s normal to feel a little guarded when it comes to matters of the heart. But here’s the thing: you deserve to find someone who truly values and respects you. Someone who sees your worth and cherishes it like a rare treasure. And trust me, they’re out there. You just need to know what to look for.

 

The 7 Signs to Look for in a Potential Spouse

So, let’s talk about those signs, shall we?

 

Signs to Look for in a Potential Spouse #1: Shared Values

Now, I know this might sound like a no-brainer, but keep reading. When you’re thinking about spending the rest of your life with someone, you want to make sure you’re on the same page, spiritually speaking. That means finding someone who shares your faith, your morals, and your priorities. As the Good Book says, “Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers” (2 Corinthians 6:14). You want someone who’s walking the same path as you, not dragging you down a different road.

Think of your values as the guiding principles that shape your life, influencing your decisions, actions, and beliefs. Imagine spending the rest of your life with someone who doesn’t share those values. It’s like trying to build a house on a shaky foundation—sooner or later, it’s bound to crumble. Picture this: You’re deeply committed to your faith, attending church regularly, praying daily, and striving to live according to biblical principles.

Now, think about dating someone who doesn’t share your beliefs. Sure, they might be kind, funny, and charming, but when it comes to matters of faith, they just don’t get it. They might even question or ridicule your beliefs, leaving you feeling misunderstood and alone.

On the flip side, imagine meeting someone who not only shares your faith but also lives it out in their daily life. You attend church together, pray together, and support each other in your spiritual journeys. You share the same moral compass, prioritising virtues like honesty, integrity, and compassion. Together, you strive to live according to God’s Word, knowing that your relationship is built on a solid foundation.

Now, let’s imagine a hypothetical example. Meet Sarah and John. Sarah is a devout Christian, deeply committed to her faith. She volunteers at her local church, leads a Bible study group, and starts each day with prayer. John, on the other hand, doesn’t share Sarah’s faith. While he respects her beliefs, he’s never felt a strong connection to organised religion.

At first, Sarah and John’s relationship seemed perfect. They enjoy each other’s company, share similar interests, and have great chemistry. But as their relationship deepens, their differing values begin to cause tension. Sarah wants to raise their future children in the church, while John is hesitant, fearing it might impose too many restrictions on their kids.

As time goes on, Sarah and John realise that their values are fundamentally incompatible. Despite their love for each other, they come to the difficult realisation that they’re headed down different paths. Eventually, they part ways, each seeking someone who shares their core values and beliefs. Does this seem like the love story you’re praying for? I’m guessing no.

So, as you consider dating, one of the signs to look for in a potential spouse is the importance of shared values. Look for someone who shares your faith, your morals, and your priorities—someone who will walk the same path as you, not drag you down a different road. As the Good Book says, “Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers” (2 Corinthians 6:14). Choose wisely, my friend, for your future happiness depends on it.

 

Signs to Look For in a Potential Spouse #2: Respect

Now, this one’s a biggie. If someone truly cares about you, they’ll show it through their actions. That means respecting your boundaries, your opinions, and your dreams. They won’t try to manipulate or control you, but instead, they’ll empower you to be the best version of yourself. Remember, love is about lifting each other up, not tearing each other down.

Imagine you’re on a date with someone new, and as you start sharing your thoughts and opinions, you notice something unsettling. Instead of listening attentively, they interrupt you, dismiss your ideas, or worse, try to impose their own beliefs onto you. How would that make you feel? Respect in a relationship goes far beyond just being polite or courteous. It’s about creating a safe and nurturing environment where both partners feel valued, heard, and appreciated. When someone truly respects you, they’ll demonstrate it through their actions in various ways.

First, respecting your boundaries is crucial. Whether it’s physical, emotional, or personal boundaries, a respectful partner will honour them without question. They won’t pressure you into doing anything you’re not comfortable with, and they’ll always seek your consent before taking any action that involves you. Also, respect means acknowledging and valuing your opinions and perspectives. In a healthy relationship, both partners should feel free to express their thoughts without fear of judgement or ridicule.

Your potential spouse should listen actively, engage in meaningful discussions, and consider your point of view, even if they don’t necessarily agree with it. For instance, if you have different views about a particular topic, a respectful partner will engage in open-minded conversations, seeking to understand your perspective rather than imposing their own ideology onto you.

Furthermore, a respectful partner will support and encourage your dreams and aspirations. They’ll be your biggest cheerleader, motivating you to pursue your goals and ambitions wholeheartedly. Instead of belittling your dreams or discouraging you from following your passions, they’ll empower you to be the best version of yourself. For example, if you express a desire to pursue a career change or further your education, a respectful partner will offer unwavering support and encouragement, cheering you on every step of the way.

Conversely, a lack of respect in a relationship can manifest in various harmful behaviours, such as manipulation, control, or emotional abuse. For instance, if your potential spouse constantly tries to manipulate or gaslight you, making you doubt your own reality or second-guess your decisions, it’s a clear indication of disrespect. Similarly, if they consistently undermine your achievements, dismiss your opinions, or invalidate your feelings, it’s a red flag that should not be ignored. Respect is one of the most important signs to look for in a potential spouse.

 

 

Signs to Look For in a Potential Spouse #3: Communication

Let’s face it, communication is the glue that holds relationships together. You want someone who’s willing to listen to you—really listen, not just nod their head while they’re scrolling through their phone. And hey, it goes both ways. You should feel comfortable sharing your thoughts and feelings with them, knowing that they’ll listen without judgement. As it says in Proverbs 18:13, “To answer before listening—that is folly and shame.”

Imagine this scenario: You’ve had a long day at work, filled with stress and frustration. All you want to do is come home and unwind, Maybe talk about your day with your partner. But instead of being greeted with a warm smile and a listening ear, you find them buried in their phone, barely acknowledging your presence. You try to engage in conversation, but it feels like you’re talking to a brick wall. How would that make you feel?

Now, contrast that with another scenario: You come home after a challenging day, and your partner immediately notices that something’s not right. They set aside whatever they were doing and asked how your day went, genuinely interested in hearing about your experiences. As you share your thoughts and feelings, they listen attentively, offering words of comfort and support. How would that make you feel?

The difference between these two scenarios boils down to one thing: communication. In the first scenario, there’s a lack of communication and empathy, leaving you feeling ignored and unimportant. But in the second scenario, there’s open, honest communication, creating a sense of connection and understanding. Communication isn’t just about talking; it’s about actively listening, empathising, and responding with care. It’s about being fully present in the moment, putting aside distractions, and giving your partner your undivided attention. And it’s not just about the big conversations; it’s about the small, everyday interactions that build trust and intimacy over time.

Now, let’s tie this back to our search for a potential spouse. When you’re looking for someone to spend the rest of your life with, communication should be a top priority. You want someone who’s willing to engage in meaningful conversations, who values your thoughts and opinions, and who isn’t afraid to share their own. You want someone who’s a good listener, who makes you feel heard and understood, even when you’re not saying a word.

But communication isn’t just about talking; it’s also about conflict resolution. Inevitably, there will be times when you and your partner disagree or misunderstand each other. How you navigate those conflicts speaks volumes about the strength of your relationship. A healthy, communicative partner will approach conflict with empathy and humility, seeking to understand your perspective and find a resolution that works for both of you.

So, as you’re thinking about going into a committed relationship, one of the signs to look for in a potential spouse is how they communicate. Do they listen attentively when you speak? Do they make an effort to understand your point of view? Do they communicate their own thoughts and feelings openly and honestly? These are the qualities that will lay the foundation for a strong, lasting relationship built on trust, respect, and love.

 

Signs to Look For in a Potential Spouse #4: Support

Life is full of ups and downs, twists and turns. And when the going gets tough, you want someone by your side who’s got your back. That means cheering you on when you succeed, comforting you when you fail, and never giving up on you, no matter what. As the Bible says, “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor” (Ecclesiastes 4:9). Together, you can conquer anything that comes your way.

Support in a relationship is having someone who’s there for you through thick and thin, someone who stands by your side no matter what life throws your way. It’s about more than just words – it’s about actions, about showing up for each other in both the good times and the bad. Think about it: when you achieve a major milestone, whether it’s landing your dream job or finally completing that marathon you’ve been training for, who do you want standing by your side, cheering you on? You want someone who’s genuinely happy for your success, someone who celebrates your victories as if they were their own.

But support isn’t just about being there for the highs; it’s also about weathering the storms together. Life is unpredictable, and there will inevitably be times when things don’t go according to plan. Maybe you lose your job, or you’re facing a health crisis, or you’re struggling with mental health issues. In those moments of darkness, you need someone who’s willing to hold your hand and walk through the fire with you.

Support is about being a rock for your partner, a steady presence in a world that can feel chaotic and uncertain. It’s about creating a safe space where you can be vulnerable, where you can share your fears and insecurities without fear of judgment. And it’s about offering that same love and support in return, knowing that together, you’re stronger than you could ever be alone.

So when you’re assessing the signs to look for in a potential spouse, pay attention to how they respond when life throws you a curveball. Do they offer a shoulder to cry on, a listening ear, a reassuring hug? Do they stand by your side, unwavering in their support, even when the going gets tough? If the answer is yes, then you may have found someone worth holding onto – someone who’s truly got your back, no matter what.

 

 

Signs to Look For in a Potential Spouse #5: Humility

Ah, humility, the often overlooked but oh-so-important trait. Have you ever been in a relationship with someone who never admits when they’re wrong? They always have to be right, no matter what. It’s like banging your head against a brick wall, isn’t it? Now, imagine the opposite scenario. You’re with someone who’s quick to own up to their mistakes, apologize sincerely, and make amends. Ah, what a breath of fresh air! That’s the kind of humility we’re talking about here.

On the issue of signs to look for in a potential relationship, you want someone who’s willing to admit when they’re wrong, apologize when they’ve messed up, and learn from their mistakes. Pride has no place in a healthy relationship. Instead, strive to be like Christ, who humbled himself for the sake of others. As it says in Philippians 2:3-4, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”

Think about it like this: humility is like the grease that keeps the wheels of a relationship turning smoothly. Without it, things can get pretty rough pretty fast. But with humility, you can navigate even the bumpiest of roads with grace and ease.

Let’s break it down a bit further, shall we? You want someone who’s willing to admit when they’re wrong. That means swallowing their pride, putting aside their ego, and saying those three little words: “I was wrong.” Now, I know that can be tough. No one likes to admit they’ve messed up. But here’s the thing: humility isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being willing to acknowledge your imperfections and grow from them.

Take, for example, a situation where you and your partner have a disagreement. Instead of digging their heels in and refusing to budge, a humble partner will listen to your perspective, consider your feelings, and be open to finding a solution that works for both of you. They won’t let their pride get in the way of resolving conflicts or building a stronger relationship.

But humility isn’t just about admitting when you’re wrong. It’s also about apologizing sincerely when you’ve hurt someone. Let’s say you unintentionally say something that hurts your partner’s feelings. Instead of brushing it off or making excuses, a humble partner will offer a genuine apology, acknowledging the pain they’ve caused and taking responsibility for their words or actions. And let me tell you, there’s nothing more attractive than someone who can humble themselves and ask for forgiveness.

Now, let’s talk about learning from mistakes. We’re all human, which means we’re bound to mess up from time to time. But here’s the thing: it’s not the mistakes that define us, it’s how we respond to them. A humble partner will take their mistakes as an opportunity for growth and self-improvement. They’ll reflect on what went wrong, identify areas where they can do better, and actively work towards becoming a better person.

Think about it like this: humility is like a muscle. The more you exercise it, the stronger it becomes. And in a relationship, humility is the key to fostering understanding, empathy, and mutual respect. This is one of the most important signs to look for in a potential spouse. Keep an eye out for someone who’s willing to humble themselves, apologize sincerely, and learn from their mistakes. Trust me, you won’t regret it.

 

Signs to Look For in a Potential Spouse #6 – Shared Goals

It’s important to have common ground when it comes to your future plans. Do you both want kids? Where do you see yourselves living? What are your career aspirations? These are the kinds of questions you should be asking early on in the relationship. As it says in Amos 3:3, “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” You want to make sure you’re heading in the same direction, hand in hand, towards a shared vision for your lives.

Let’s say you’re walking down a winding path, hand in hand with someone special. The sun is shining, birds are chirping, and everything seems perfect. But as you stroll along, you realize you’re heading in two completely different directions. One of you dreams of settling down in the quiet countryside, surrounded by nature’s beauty, while the other envisions a bustling city life, full of excitement and opportunity. Suddenly, that perfect moment feels a little less perfect.

Now, let’s rewind a bit and consider the scenario differently. This time, you’re walking side by side with your partner, but instead of veering off in opposite directions, you’re both headed towards the same destination. You share a vision for the future, a common goal that drives you forward together. Maybe it’s starting a family and raising children in a loving home. Perhaps it’s pursuing your passions and building successful careers side by side. Whatever it may be, you’re united in purpose, hand in hand, as you journey through life together.

If you’re intentional about the signs to look for in a potential spouse, shared goals are like the North Star of your relationship, guiding you towards a common destination. When you and your partner are aligned in your aspirations and dreams, you create a solid foundation for a lasting and fulfilling partnership. But how do you know if your goals are in sync? It all comes down to communication and understanding.

Early on in the relationship, it’s crucial to have open and honest conversations about your future plans. Talk about whether or not you both want children and how you envision raising them. Discuss where you see yourselves living – in a cozy suburban house, a trendy downtown apartment, or maybe even abroad. Explore each other’s career aspirations and how they fit into your long-term goals as a couple.

For example, let’s say you’ve always dreamed of starting your own business and traveling the world. You meet someone who shares that entrepreneurial spirit and shares your desire for adventure. Together, you imagine building a life filled with excitement, innovation, and exploration. Your shared goal becomes not just a dream, but a roadmap for your future together.

As the Bible reminds us in Amos 3:3, “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” It’s a powerful reminder that unity is essential for a successful partnership. When you and your partner are walking hand in hand towards a shared vision for your lives, you create a bond that’s unbreakable. So, take the time to study one of the most definitive signs to look for in a potential spouse.

 

 

Signs to Look For in a Potential Spouse #7 – Unconditional Love

Ah, love, the greatest of all virtues. You want someone who loves you not for what you can do for them, but simply for who you are. Someone who sees your flaws and imperfections and loves you all the more for them. As it says in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”

Imagine that you’re sitting across from your partner, pouring your heart out about a mistake you made or a struggle you’re facing. Your palms are sweating, your heart is racing, and you’re bracing yourself for their reaction. And then it happens. Instead of judgment or condemnation, you’re met with a warm embrace, a reassuring smile, and the words, “I love you, no matter what.”

That, my friend, is the epitome of unconditional love. It’s the kind of love that looks beyond your flaws and imperfections, seeing the beauty in your brokenness and the potential in your struggles. It’s the kind of love that stands by you through thick and thin, never wavering in its devotion or commitment. It’s the kind of love that echoes the words of 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, embodying patience, kindness, humility, and selflessness. It is agape love.

Perhaps the most beautiful aspect of unconditional love is its ability to inspire growth and transformation. When you know you’re loved unconditionally, you’re free to be your authentic self, flaws and all. You’re not constantly striving to meet impossible standards or hiding behind a mask of perfection; instead, you’re embraced for who you are, quirks and all. And in that safe and nurturing environment, you’re able to flourish and become the best version of yourself.

As you embark on your journey to seeking a partner, remember to keep an eye out for one of the unmistakable signs to look for in a potential spouse. Look for someone who sees you – truly sees you – and loves you fiercely for all that you are. Look for someone who embodies the timeless wisdom of 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, showing patience, kindness, and selflessness in their words and actions. And above all, look for someone who makes you feel cherished, valued, and unconditionally loved. Because my dear, that kind of love is worth its weight in gold.

And there you have it – the seven signs to look for in a potential spouse! Now, this isn’t to say that finding ‘the One’ is going to be easy. It might take some time, some heartache, and a whole lot of patience. But trust me when I say, it’ll be worth it in the end. So, keep your eyes open, your heart hopeful, and your faith strong. And who knows? Maybe the love of your life is just around the corner.

If you’re already in a committed relationship but struggling with setting healthy boundaries in your relationship, then you definitely should read this!