One of the easiest ways to tell what is a good relationship from what is not is respect. If you respect him, and he respects you, feel free to move forward. But if he’s disrespectful, or if you often feel less-than-respectful of him, it’s not a good, healthy relationship, and it won’t be later, either.

When you’re in a good relationship, you both can’t wait to see each other… the time you spend apart is fine, but you really look forward to your time together. It might be hard to be away from your honey, but seeing them again after you've missed them makes it all worth it!

When you’re in a good relationship, you’ll want to back your guy, highlight his strengths and fill in the gaps he might leave. He’ll do the same for you. What is a good relationship? One in which you build each other up, rather than tearing each other down.

I know this is going to sound shallow, but one of the signs of a good relationship is a spark, some chemistry. I’m certainly not saying that sex is the most important thing, but let’s face it - it is important. If there’s no spark, then there’s a chance he’s more of a friend, and less of a boyfriend or potential husband.

A good relationship cannot be built on lies, so unless you’re honest with him, and he’s honest with you, it’s not a good relationship. This includes big lies as well as smaller fibs… and if there’s anything you’re not sharing with him, now’s the time to start.

It’s almost impossible to have a good relationship if one or both of you are bringing drama into the relationship, or if you have a load of it outside of the relationship. Before you can think about a good relationship, your own life has to be straightened out. It’s true!

Let me say that again, in another way: if you’re not happy with your life, adding a man, no matter how wonderful he is, won’t help. You have to be happy in your life, and he has to be happy in his, or you won’t be able to help each other be happy.

You absolutely do not have to think about the future, but if you find yourself thinking about your relationship down the road, that’s a very good sign. It’s yet another way to tell a good relationship from a bad or short-term one.

When both partners look out for each other, they actively show that they care and give each other a sense of security. The combination of care and security has significantly positive effects on relationships because when you are completely sure that your partner has your best interests in mind, all sense of doubt and uncertainty disappears. Showing great care and dedication to your partner is a great sign that your relationship is healthy.

In order for a relationship to work out, both partners have to learn to accept each other’s differences and to compromise during arguments. If your arguments are constantly unresolved and both sides are too stubborn, it shows that your relationship is at a very early stage and hasn’t reached a point of bliss. Once you learn to compromise during conflicts, you will know that you are both in a good place.

No matter how long you have been together, you should always be able to say that you and your partner enjoy each other’s company and have fun. After all, your other half is your best friend and you should be able to share some of the happiest moments with him or her. If you can confidently say that every moment you spend with your partner, no matter what you are doing, is momentous and exciting, then you can consider it as a healthy relationship

Although you should be able to rely on your other half for anything, you should also have independence from each other. No matter how good the relationship is, it shouldn't be the only significant relationship in your life. Both of you should be able to enjoy your social life with friends and family and do things that don’t involve both of you. So if you have interests and opinions outside of your relationship, you should consider it as a good sign!

A good relationship should be equal in power, in dominance and no person should be the boss of the relationship. If one person takes control of the whole relationship and dominates it, then that leaves no room for the opinion of the other. Your relationship can definitely take a wrong turn if one person declares him or herself as a dictator and makes the decisions for both. A healthy relationship should consist of mutual decisions and equal input.

Your partner doesn't have to like all of your opinions and actions, but you should know with confidence that you will always receive his or her support no matter what. After all, support is the main reason why any type of relationships exist, so it should be the most prioritized component of a good romantic relationship.

One of the main characteristics of a healthy romantic relationship is stability. Both partners should know what to expect from their relationship and not have to be afraid of what is to come. If your romantic relationship is a stable constant in your life with no repeatedly negative surprises, you should be happy with where you stand with your partner!

So again, what is a good relationship? Everything on this list, and then whatever else matters to you! I really like books, so it wouldn't be a good relationship unless the guy is well-read. Which of these is an obvious sign you’re in a good relationship? Do tell!