6 Signs Your Partner Is Committed to You, According to Relationship Experts

The bubble of the first few weeks of dating someone new can be exciting, as there's an inner joy that comes with getting to know a potential forever partner. But once things start to get serious, you'll likely develop the desire to get more clarity about where you are in your current union. Or, to simply put it, you may begin to question whether or not you're in a committed relationship.

A committed relationship, in general, occurs when a couple agrees upon a certain level of commitment to one another. While this definition might seem straightforward, Kelly Campbell, Ph.D., a professor of psychology at California State University, San Bernardino, shares that "commitment" can mean different things to different people, and, thus, defining the word for yourself is critical when looking to move forward in a relationship. "For example, one person might believe in open relationships, and for them, commitment means honesty about sexual partners but not necessarily sexual exclusivity. If the other person is not on board with that definition, they might end the relationship at that point," she explains.

According to marriage and family therapist Christopher Vo, it's also wise to know that commitment isn't a one-time declaration but an "evolving pact." "Think of it as a relationship contract that requires continual renewal and intentional effort. Just as a contract is reviewed, revised, and reaffirmed periodically, so should the commitment within a partnership," he shares, while further noting that communication is essential once you and your partner have made a commitment to each other. "This ongoing communication and redefining of shared goals is what allows a relationship to build resilience and pass the test of time," he adds.

If you're searching for signs that your partner is committed to you, we put together a list that'll help you determine your relationship status. That said, don't use this list as a way to get out of having a real conversation with the person you're dating. If you truly want a committed relationship, you have to talk about it, even if it makes you uncomfortable. “It is understandable that people don’t like to have that type of discussion," says Dr. Campbell. "However, being a mature adult means you are comfortable discussing uncomfortable topics and can do so in a clear, direct, open manner." Read on to learn more.

Your Partner Portrays You in a Positive Light

People in committed relationships tend to portray their partners in the best possible light: They minimize their flaws and emphasize their positive attributes. Vo further shares, "Partners who genuinely cherish and are committed to each other tend to speak about their significant other in glowing terms. It's more than just the words they use; it's the admiration and respect that resonates in their voice when discussing their partner with others. This positive portrayal extends beyond mere compliments; it reflects a deep appreciation and acknowledgment of each other's qualities, even when not in each other's presence." While this can sometimes make a person ignorant of their partner’s negative qualities, as long as the unfavorable characteristics aren’t harmful, this is a great sign that someone is committed to their relationship.

Your Partner Speaks in "We"

Someone who feels committed speaks about themselves as “we.” For example, if you ask a committed person, “What did you do this weekend?” rather than respond with “I took the dogs on a hike,” they’ll say, “We took the dogs on a hike.” "'We' language is a signifier that a shared partnership is forming.  When partners begin to use inclusive language like 'we' instead of 'I,' it signifies a unified front," explains Vo. "Not only can this be an excellent sign of shared dreams and goals, but it can be a powerful tool when encountering conflict as a team, instead of in opposition of one another."

Your Partner Meets Your Needs (and Vice-Versa)

Individuals in committed relationships choose to be because they are meeting each other’s needs. "This extends beyond basic tasks or grandiose gestures," notes Vo. Though everyone has different needs (for instance, some people desire sex every day, while others want a partner who's comfortable with giving them some independence), if your partner is able to identify what you desire and provide it to you, they are likely very committed to your union.

Vo also points out, "Although we must accept that we are human and it is impossible to meet 100 percent of each other's needs all of the time, there should still be a mutual investment in doing our best to understand and support each other's emotional, physical, and mental needs."

You and Your Partner Are Highly Satisfied

One of the strongest predictors of commitment in a relationship is satisfaction. According to Vo, "Partners who express high levels of satisfaction showcase a profound emotional connection and a sense of fulfillment within the relationship.  Contentment within a relationship speaks volumes about its strength and commitment." It's all very simple: If your partner feels highly satisfied, they are more likely to want to commit to a long-term relationship.

Your Partner Is Disinterested in Pursuing Others

People in committed relationships don’t pay attention to potential alternative partners. Sure, they will likely notice other attractive people from time to time, but they are disinterested in pursuing anyone outside of their union. "Although relationships can exist in many forms, and not all of them monogamous, no matter what the dynamic, a healthy relationship should seek to never abandon their partner(s) and uphold the social contract within that partnership," adds Vo. "There should be a continued and intentional effort to invest energy into the relationship."

Your Partner Makes Sacrifices for You

Relationships and commitment require sacrifices, notes Vo. "These sacrifices might range from compromising personal preferences to adjusting routines or even making life-altering decisions that prioritize the relationship's welfare," he explains. "The willingness to selflessly adjust and adapt reflects a deep commitment to each other's happiness and well-being."