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                         How do you really know if it is lust or love. In a 
                          life time the average person falls in love at least 
                          4 times. But is it really love? Here are a few signs 
                          to be aware of before you decide if he is the right 
                          one. 
                        Communication 
                          Being honest with each other in a relationship is very 
                          important and it is also important that you get to know 
                          the person properly before you commit yourself. How 
                          well do you know him/her? Is the only talking you do 
                          bedroom talk? 
                           
                          Good signs 
                        
                          - You talk openly about life issues such as finances, 
                            children, things that frighten you, where you want 
                            your life to go. 
 
                           
                          - You can argue and come to some sort of compromise 
                            at the end of it. Better still you argue, it proves 
                            that you have the ability to talk. 
 
                           
                          - You are open and honest with each other about your 
                            feelings.
 
                             
                            Warning signs 
                             
                           
                          - You only know his favourite colour, what paper he 
                            reads. You are afraid to ask him indepth questions 
                            about his life for fear of rejection or what you might 
                            find out. 
 
                           
                          - You don't discuss how you are feeling with each 
                            other and it builds up inside you, often causing resentment 
                            of each other. 
 
                           
                          - Neither of you is willing to forgive one another.
 
                             
                            Love 
                             
                            I don't believe a long lasting relationship/marriage 
                            can survive without love. So is it love or are you 
                            just kidding yourself? 
                         
                        Good signs 
                        
                          - In a crisis you stand by each other no matter what 
                            the result. 
 
                           
                          - You make sacrifices to make the other person happy. 
                            
 
                           
                          - You are truthful and honest and don't keep secrets 
                            from one another. 
 
                           
                          - You are emotionally, physically and mentally compatible. 
                            
 
                           
                          - You are friends as well as lovers. 
 
                             
                             
                            Warning signs 
                             
                             
                          - When the going gets tough, he/she gets going. 
 
                           
                          - He has an eye for the ladies and has proved to be 
                            untrustworthy. 
 
                           
                          - He/She lies to you about where he/she has been and 
                            only confesses when you find out the truth. 
 
                           
                          - There is little physical affection, laughter, or 
                            communication between the two of you. 
 
                           
                          - He/She has been unfaithful on numerous occassions. 
                          
 
                         
                        Respect  
                           
                          A relationship is about friendship, respect, and acceptance 
                          of one another. When there is lack of respect for the 
                          other, trust and respect is replaced by suspicion and 
                          can slowly grow to hatred.  
                        Good signs 
                        
                          - You are aware of your partner's faults and are able 
                            to accept some imperfections. 
 
                           
                          - You support and encourage each others individual 
                            interests and identity. 
 
                           
                          - You take the time to listen and understand the other's 
                            point of view.
 
                             
                             
                            Warning signs 
                             
                             
                          - You criticize each other in front of others. 
 
                           
                          - He/She will not give you space to indulge in your 
                            interests and wants to spend every minute of the day 
                            with you. 
 
                           
                          - You are constantly struggling to live up to his/her 
                            standards or the person you think he/she wants you 
                            to be. 
 
                           
                          - You can't forgive and/or forget each others mistakes. 
                            
 
                           
                         
                         
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