Dating
Hear Me Out With These Non-negotiables in Dating
Whether you’re looking for a love interest for the first time or not, I’m sure you have your own set of non-negotiables in dating. Some even prefer to write theirs down on their notes app and scan through it whenever they see someone to avoid forgetting. Or make sure they continue to stick with their values and not get swayed by infatuation.
Well, what exactly is a non-negotiable? A non-negotiable is an absolute requirement in a relationship or partner.
Having a firm grasp on yours will help you set limits and maintain your composure when someone tries to control you, particularly on a first date when most people try to look their best.
Let’s give up the rose-tinted glasses now. We’re done with tolerating red flags in dating and questioning our luck in love when it is simply a result of our poor choices.
While you’re here, let me share a few essentials when dating that I think everyone should take to heart.
Top 6 Crucial Dating Non-negotiables
None of these are overly demanding, as it is critical to lay the groundwork early in a new relationship. Try to think about the following:
Mutual Respect
Come on, this is what a relationship stands on. This fundamental requirement shouldn’t be disregarded or subject to compromise. You’ll go nowhere in a relationship that has no mutual respect. This can be demonstrated by respecting one another’s uniqueness, viewpoints, and need for privacy without sacrificing your own emotions.
Dependability
They’re called a “partner” for a reason, partners should be able to rely on one another. If your partner says they’ll be at an event with you, for instance, you shouldn’t be worried that they won’t follow through. This may be negotiable at times, especially if an emergency arises and they become late or fail to attend, but this mustn’t occur frequently. In such situations, they ought to apologize sincerely, explain reasons clearly, and make amends.
Loyalty
Don’t settle on being a spare tire or a side chick. If you want everlasting love, you won’t find it by settling for a partner who isn’t as committed as you. Knowing that your partner visits someone else’s home whenever they please, do you think it’s great to let yourself be stepped down that way? Being martyrs in love isn’t something to romanticize. Love isn’t a party that requires a plus one.
Physical or Emotional Abuse
In any relationship, abuse of any kind is a serious warning sign that should never be accepted. No matter how much they may try to persuade you otherwise, it’s not acceptable. You are not in a relationship to be someone’s emotional or physical punching bag. Bruises and scars are not badges of honor. If you find yourself in such a situation, seek help immediately.
Future Plans
One of the main things that unites couples is their desire to work towards a future together. Does your idea about the future align with theirs? For example, do they agree with your plan on being a DINK couple? Would they rather live in the city as you do, rather than the countryside as they were accustomed to? Many things in a relationship can be worked out to reach a compromise, but if you’re set on plans and your partner disagrees, it might lead to the end of the relationship.
Substance Abuse
Maintaining open communication, respect, and trust — all essential components of a healthy relationship — is made harder by addiction. It shouldn’t be your job to act as their therapist if your partner has a substance use disorder. Here, your only option is to support them in seeking treatment for themselves, not so that they’ll change for you.
Despite these non-negotiables in dating, being naturally stubborn about some relationship red flags won’t help you get very far. Know when to compromise or know when to walk away. Above all, have faith in your own judgment to lead you. You’ve got this!
