1. You're completely over your ex
The mistake a lot of people make when entering a new relationship, is not making sure they're completely over their ex. Don't be one of those people. You'll wind up bringing a lot of residual issues into a fresh situation if you have unresolved feelings.
So do yourself and your potential new lover a favor, make sure you're COMPLETELY over an ex before starting something serious.
2. You're ready to be monogamous
This means you have to get your wandering eye under control. In essence, no more lusting after and trying to hook up with tons of men.
3. You've abandoned your dirty habits
All those nasty habits that caused problems with you and your ex need to be checked at the door. The incessant nagging and accusations of cheating when he leaves the house for more than an hour has to be stopped for good.
Get a grip, girl!
4. You know how to balance work and love
Getting your career off the ground can be exhausting and requires a lot of time and effort. However, if you aren't able to strike the perfect balance between work and love, you might want to reconsider whether or not you're truly capable of committing right now.
There are few things worse than making someone feel like an afterthought in your relationship.
5. You're thoroughly in love with yourself
We're sure you've heard the saying, "If you don't love yourself, you won't be able to love someone else." That saying is very true for multiple reasons.
First of all, if you aren't in love with yourself, how will the next person know how to treat you? Secondly, love starts within. If you don't have that for yourself, you won't be able to adequately provide that for someone else.
6. You don't compare yourself to other women
Theodore Roosevelt once said, "Comparison is the thief of joy." Truer words have perhaps never been spoken. Comparing yourself to other women can sometimes hinder you from truly pursuing a relationship with full force. This becomes an even bigger issue once you begin to compare yourself to a potential suitor's ex. Just don't do it.
7. While you want a relationship, you don't NEED one
If you think you "need" a relationship, you're more prone to rushing into one just for the sake of saying you're taken. This is a recipe for disaster. You might find yourself putting up with things you otherwise wouldn't tolerate, all in hopes to quell your loneliness.
So, if you want a relationship but know you don't need one, that's a good sign.
8. You know how/when to admit you're wrong
As much as we women like to think we're always right about every single thing, the fact of the matter is, sometimes we're dead wrong. If you're looking to commit, you have to know when and how to own up to your own shortcomings.
9. You have realistic expectations
In a perfect world, we'd all have perfect partners who never disappointed us and lived up to everything we've ever dreamed of. Unfortunately, life doesn't work that way. We're all flawed. If you're trying to hold out for Mr. I'll Always Be On My Best Behaviour, you'll be waiting forever.
Have realistic expectations for your partner. It's important to remember that you also come with a set of quirks and imperfections.
10. You know how to compromise
Ladies, as painful as this is to admit, we can't always have it our way. We have to know when to give in, even if it's a little bit, for the better of the relationship. This doesn't mean you have to abandon your own feelings. It just means you have to be open to compromise.
If you know how to budge when necessary, you might be ready for something serious.
11. You're able to put others before you
One of the perks of singledom is unabashed selfishness. It's just one of those things that doesn't work when you're in a relationship. Why? Because you now have an entire person to consider (other than yourself).
Know when to put it's appropriate to put your own thoughts and concerns second.
12. You've handled your personal issues
This means you've tackled all the problems that will prevent a relationship from flourishing. This might include feelings of inadequacy, being overly sensitive, jealousy, etc.
13. You have a strong sense of self
Sometimes we give and give until we're empty. Even when we're empty, we somehow muster up the strength to give more. It's that very fact that makes it all the more crucial to have a strong sense of self. You have to know the difference between compromising and being a pushover.
Never lose sight of YOU!
14. You're able to separate wants from needs
This goes hand in hand with having realistic expectations. You have to be able to decipher what you really need and what are things you want.
15. You don't want to go out partying every weekend
We all love to dance! But when you're ready to settle down, you might want to cut down your party appearances to just about nil.
How will you find time to bond with your partner if you're drunk and grinding up on strangers every chance you get?
Take yourself a bit more seriously before you expect someone else to.
16. You know how to manage your insecurities
No one wants the girlfriend who is constantly hurling accusations of infidelity and needs reassurance about her looks 24/7. Get your insecurities in check before checking into a relationship.
17. You know when to say you're sorry
Once you realize you're wrong, make sure he knows you're sorry. Set the tone and hopefully he will follow suit.
18. You're able to sacrifice time with the girls
We live for a wildly memorable ladies night out with our best gal pals. However, when you're truly ready to commit, something has to give. Unfortunately that means less time out with the girls.
19. The thought of commitment no longer gives you panic attacks
Were you once the girl who thought relationships brought on incurable cooties? Are you now completely over that phase? Well, good news! You might be ready for a boyfriend.
20. You understand there is life outside of a relationship
That goes both ways. You have to give him room to live his life and also have room to live yours. This is where a ladies night out comes in super handy.
21. You can laugh at yourself
Who wants to be with a Debbie Downer? Surely not us.
22. You're no longer a flirt
Not even for free drinks. Sorry. (Okay, maybe one drink. LOL)
23. You know how to tell the truth
A relationship cannot, we repeat, cannot survive without complete and utter honesty. If you're the type to keep everything to yourself, it might be time to open up a bit.
24. You're able to effectively communicate
Because without communication, you have nothing. You have to be able to resolve issues with your partner through thoughtful conversations. If you're unable to do that, maybe you're just not ready to commit.
25. You're open to falling in love
Isn't that the absolute best part of relationships anyway? Being open to falling in love is crucial.
Do you think you're ready for a relationship? Tweet us @sofeminineUK
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