How to know if you’re ready for a relationship (+ signs you’re not ready)

Are you single and wondering if you’re ready to jump into a new relationship?

It’s a common question that many people ask themselves, but the answer isn’t always clear. 

One thing is for sure — you need to be emotionally ready and available to take on a new relationship. 

But, how do you know if you’re truly ready to take that leap? 

My last experience was entering a new relationship without fully considering my own needs. And it was indeed terrible. 

That’s why I’m about to explain some key signs that indicate you’re ready for a relationship and highlight some red flags that you’re not quite there yet. So, let’s find out if you’re truly ready for a relationship!

1) You’re emotionally mature

You’ve probably heard that you have to be emotionally mature to have a successful relationship.

But what does that really mean? 

Well, to be emotionally mature means to be able to regulate your emotions and respond to situations in a calm and rational manner. 

It means that you can communicate your feelings effectively and also listen actively to your partner’s emotions without getting defensive or reactive. 

Sounds a bit complex, right?

That’s because emotional maturity is not something that comes naturally or easily to everyone. It’s a skill that requires practice, self-awareness, and a willingness to learn and grow.

Emotional maturity involves being aware of your own emotional triggers and patterns, and taking responsibility for your own reactions and behaviors.

How can it help you be ready for a relationship?

It allows you to approach conflicts and challenges with a level head and a willingness to compromise and find solutions. 

But also, emotional maturity helps you communicate more effectively with your partner. That’s how you can build trust and intimacy.

2) You’re able to compromise

Did you know that couples who compromise and work together towards a common goal tend to have more successful relationships?

According to Joseph S. Reynoso, a clinical psychologist from New York, compromise is an essential part of romantic love. In fact, it’s one of the key factors that distinguishes a healthy relationship from an unhealthy one.

At its core, compromise is about finding a middle ground between your needs and your partner’s needs. It’s not about one person always getting their way or sacrificing your own happiness for the sake of the relationship.

Instead, it means that you’re willing to meet your partner halfway and sometimes even sacrifice your own needs and wants for the relationship to thrive.

So, ask yourself honestly: are you willing and able to compromise in a relationship? If so, you might be ready for the next step.

3) You have a clear sense of things you want in a relationship

And finally, after you ensure that you have enough emotional capacity to invest in your relationship, you also need to check if you have a clear sense of what you want in a relationship.

• Do you want to be in a committed and long-term partnership, or are you just looking for a casual fling? 
• Are you seeking someone with similar values, interests, and goals, or are you more open to differences and variety? 
• What are your deal breakers, and what are your must-haves?

Just think about these questions and try to find sincere answers.

But if you’re having trouble assessing your values and priorities in a relationship, I know something that might help.

To me, a free checklist from Jeanette Brown’s course Life Journal was an amazing opportunity to explore the most important values to me. As a result, I find it easier to align my life with my values.

I’m sure it’s especially useful if you’re feeling lost or unsure about your direction in relationships.

So, check out this free checklist and see if it helps you gain clarity on what you truly want in a relationship.

And once you understand what you’re looking for, you’re almost ready to start a relationship.

Still, there’s one thing I need you to remember:

Knowing what you want doesn’t mean that you have to be rigid or inflexible. Relationships are dynamic, and your wants and needs may change over time. 

But having a clear sense of what you value can help you navigate the ups and downs of a relationship.

Download your free checklist here.

4) You fixed all the issues with your ex-partners

Let’s be honest: you can’t move on to a new relationship if you’re still carrying baggage from past ones. 

If you’re constantly talking about your ex, comparing new partners to them, or feeling intense anger or bitterness towards them, it’s a sign that you’re not fully over the relationship.

For example, if you find yourself frequently stalking their social media accounts or trying to initiate contact with them, it’s a clear sign that you’re not emotionally ready to enter a new relationship.

On the other hand, if you have taken the time to reflect on your past relationships, and have actively worked on fixing any unresolved issues, I bet that you are emotionally ready to start a new relationship and build a healthy partnership.

Try to take responsibility for your own role in the past relationship, understand what went wrong, and learn from those experiences to improve your future relationships.

5) You know the importance of honest communication

One thing is for sure — communication is the foundation of any healthy relationship.

And I’m not saying that because it sounds like good relationship advice. The thing is that research has shown that honesty and open communication are key factors in relationship satisfaction and longevity.

Yes, believe it or not, understanding the importance of honest communication is a clear sign that you’re ready for a relationship.

How does this work?

Well, honest communication allows you to establish trust, build intimacy, and work through any conflicts or misunderstandings in a relationship. 

In a healthy relationship, both partners feel comfortable sharing their vulnerabilities and concerns, without the fear of being judged or criticized. 

6) You’re happy and content with yourself

This one might sound a bit surprising, but trust me, being happy and content with yourself is a significant sign that you’re ready for a relationship.

But hang on a minute. How is your attitude towards yourself related to your love life?

Your relationship with yourself sets the foundation for all other relationships in your life.

To put it simply, if you don’t feel happy and content with yourself, you just won’t be able to have a healthy and fulfilling relationship with someone else.

Think about it this way: if you constantly seek validation and approval from others, you’ll be more likely to attract people who may not have your best interests at heart. 

But what if you’re comfortable in your own skin?

Then, chances are that your positive self-image won’t let you tolerate toxic behavior or settle for less than you deserve. The result?

You’ll be more likely to attract individuals who appreciate you for who you are, and who are willing to build a healthy, respectful relationship with you.

7) You feel comfortable being alone

Not only being content with yourself but feeling comfortable in your own skin is also a sign that you’re ready for a relationship. Why?

Because a big part of feeling comfortable in general is about feeling comfortable with yourself when you’re alone.

Let me explain what I mean. 

When you’re comfortable being alone, you can enjoy your own company and don’t rely on others to fill a void in your life. 

This means that you’re not looking for a relationship just for the sake of not being alone, but rather because you genuinely want to share your life with someone else.

That’s why I believe this kind of independence is important in a relationship too. And without it, you become vulnerable to losing yourself in a relationship.

8) You’re ready to prioritize a relationship

Imagine you’re holding a jar and trying to fit in a bunch of big rocks, pebbles, and sand. What do you put in first? The big rocks, right? That way, the pebbles, and sand can fill in the gaps.

Now, think of your life as that jar. What are the big rocks that you want to prioritize? Your career? Your hobbies? Your family? And where does a romantic relationship fit in?

Of course, there’s no jar of priorities when it comes to real life. It’s just a metaphor one of my professors used during social psychology classes. But it did have a significant impact on me. And it did make me realize that setting the right priorities is crucial in life.

Relationships are no exception.

If you’re ready to make a relationship one of your big rocks, that’s a clear sign that you’re ready to prioritize a relationship.

But if you consider it as just another pebble or sand in your life jar, it’s probably not the right time to pursue a relationship.

Of course, this doesn’t mean that you have to prioritize a relationship over everything else in your life. It simply means that you understand that a healthy relationship requires attention and effort, and you’re willing to make that investment.

Yes, you might not like how it sounds, but a relationship is a real investment of time, energy, and emotional commitment. 

That’s why you need to be honest with yourself about whether you’re willing and able to make that investment.

3 key signs you’re not ready for a relationship

1) You’re still emotionally attached to your past relationships

Are you still secretly scrolling through your ex’s social media profiles, thinking about the good old days and wondering what could have been? 

You might think you have moved on but if you find yourself comparing every potential partner to your ex, chances are that you’re not as ready for a new relationship as you think.

The truth is that emotionally holding on to past relationships is a major red flag when it comes to pursuing a new love interest. 

Here’s why:

When you’re still emotionally attached to your past relationships, you’re not fully present and available to invest in a new relationship. 

It’s like your emotional energy and attention are still focused on someone who is no longer a part of your life.

Not surprisingly, this can prevent you from forming a deep connection with someone new.

So, if you’re still hung up on your ex-partner or have unresolved feelings from past relationships, you probably need to take the time to process your emotions and heal.

2) You’re too busy with your own life

Remember what I mentioned about the importance of having a balanced life before pursuing a relationship? 

Well, the opposite can also be a sign that you’re not ready for a relationship.

Once again, I’m going to focus your attention on your priorities. 

If you find yourself constantly busy with work, hobbies, and other personal commitments, you might not have the time or energy to invest in a new relationship.

Of course, having a fulfilling life outside of a relationship is important, but if you’re too consumed with your own life, it can be difficult to make room for someone else.

Ask yourself: are you willing to make some adjustments to your schedule to accommodate a new relationship? Or are you content with your current routine and would rather not disrupt it?

If the latter is true, it might be best to hold off on pursuing a relationship until you have more time and energy to devote to it.

3) You haven’t explored your true self

Once you’re certain you’re not too busy with your own life and having a relationship with someone else is one of your priorities, then it’s time to assess whether you have neglected some important aspects of self-discovery and personal growth. 

Before starting a relationship, it’s important to know yourself and what you truly want in life.

But let’s admit it: many of us aren’t really aware of our true selves. 

Instead, we often get caught up in the expectations of society, our family, and our friends. 

The result?

Sometimes we follow a certain path because it seems like the right thing to do, but deep down we don’t feel happy about it.

That’s because we’re not being our true selves.

However, entering a relationship with clarity and confidence requires that you have a good understanding of yourself and what you want out of life. 

So, before you jump into a new relationship, take some time to reflect on yourself. Ask yourself questions such as:

• What are my strengths and weaknesses?
• What are my values and beliefs?
• What are my long-term goals?
• What are my deal-breakers in a relationship?

The answers to these questions can help you gain a deeper understanding of who you are and what you want in a partner. 

Final thoughts

As you can see, being ready for a relationship is more than just having a desire to be with someone else. It requires emotional maturity, self-awareness, and a willingness to invest time and energy in another person.

Hopefully, the signs above helped you understand where you currently stand in terms of readiness for a relationship. But remember, it’s important to take the time to reflect on your own needs and desires before jumping into a new relationship.

Don’t let society’s pressure or your fear of being alone dictate your choices. Instead, take your time, trust your instincts, and don’t settle for anything less than what you deserve.