Why to have the serious conversations early

It’s important to be honest from the beginning about what you are seeking in a partnership. Life is too short to waste your time or anyone else’s waiting for a person to change or compromising your own values. The first step is becoming clear on what exactly your own values are, what kind of person do you strive to be? What kind of life are you creating? What type of relationship are you looking for? Once you have a clear understanding of your values, stick to them and don’t settle for anything else. This is not to say that someone who doesn’t share your vision for life is any “better” or “worse” than you, they simply are not the right match. Yes, compromise is an integral part of relationships, but it has a time and place. When we compromise our core values, we end up with resentment and frustration.

If you’re looking for a long-term committed partner and the person you’ve been dating tells you they prefer a casual no strings attached relationship, believe them and move on, trust that they know what they want and don't try to change their mind. If you find yourself avoiding these conversations with a potential or current partner, remember that staying true to yourself will always bring greater fulfillment than seeking someone’s (anyone’s) approval. Love yourself enough to be loyal to your own needs and keep in mind the abundance of wonderful humans that exist in this world.