15 Signs Your Partner Is a Keeper

When you are in a healthy relationship and you are happy, you might wonder if your partner is the one for you. There are many ways to tell if they have the traits you want in a spouse.

Keep reading for 15 signs your partner is a keeper. They may tell you everything you need to know and help you determine if you want to take the next step with your significant other.

What does “a keeper” mean in a relationship?

If you are curious about what does keeper mean in relationships, this refers to someone that you want to be with for the rest of your life. Essentially, you hope to keep them as your partner for as long as possible.

What makes a partner a keeper?

There are a number of ways that a partner would be considered a keeper. So, what does it mean to be a keeper? 

A keeper is a person you want to spend your life with. You will be rather convinced that they can make you happy and that you are compatible. Moreover, a keeper is an individual that has loyalty to you and is able to make you feel comfortable and loved. 

If you feel this way with your current partner, you should think about if they are the one you want to keep.

Related Reading: 25 Signs He’s A Keeper

How do you know if a man is a keeper?

A man who is a keeper will show you sincerity not with words, but with actions.

Signs he’s a keeper include that he lets you cry but also makes you feel better when you are not feeling your best. If your partner is a keeper, he may do things you like to do and bring you gifts out of the blue.

According to Grady Shumway, LMHC:

He consistently makes you feel safe, valued, and supported—especially during life’s difficult moments. A true keeper invests in your happiness because your well-being genuinely matters to him.

How do you know if she is a keeper?

A woman who is a keeper will make it very obvious for you to catch the signs or might even openly express it to you.

Signs she’s a keeper are if she lets you go out with your friends but also wants to spend time with you. Your partner may also cook things you like and tell you pleasant things when you need to hear them.

Also Try: Is He a Keeper Quiz

15 signs your partner is a keeper

Here’s a list of more signs your partner is a keeper. Think about these things when you are evaluating your relationship or if you are trying to figure out if you are with someone you see a future with. 

If you don’t have a significant other, you should look for these things in a potential partner.

• They are open about how they feel about you

One of the major signs of a keeper is that they will tell you exactly how they feel about you. They won’t mince words. Instead, a person will express if they like you or not and if they want to become serious with you. 

They will also tell you what you need to hear, even if you don’t want them to. Basically, they will be real with you, no matter the situation. You won’t catch them lying, just to make you feel better.

• They take the time to argue and then make up

When you are with a keeper, you will likely have disagreements with them, but they will care enough to make up with you. In some cases, they may also compromise with you to end an argument and apologize when this is called for as well. 

Arguments are expected, but not if they lead to attacks against each other. Keep this in mind.

Grady Shumway highlights that:

Healthy conflict with a keeper leads to deeper understanding, not emotional damage. Their willingness to repair rather than win shows emotional maturity and long-term commitment.

• They allow you to do the things you like

Someone that is a potential long-term partner for you will let you do the things you like. 

They may do these things with you, such as watching your favorite show or taking you to the opera, but more importantly, they will probably let you do these things with your friends as well. They won’t feel the need to be with you all the time or lord over you.

• They won’t make you bottle up your feelings

When you need to talk about things or get something off your chest, a keeper will let you. This is one of the top ways to know if he is a keeper. If your partner allows you to tell him your little worries or problems and listens to them, this might be the person for you. 

When someone takes the time to listen to what you have to say, this could indicate that you are in a healthy relationship. Think of all the people in your life that don’t always listen to what you say, and you may be able to tell the difference.

Related Reading: Top 10 Characteristics of a Healthy Relationship

• They are fair in all situations

There may be times when you want to do something, and your partner wants to do something else. 

A person who is a keeper will determine a way to make the process fair. They may say that you can pick dinner this time and they can choose the next night. In other words, they will not treat you unfairly, even when it is a small matter.

• They make you laugh

Do you love it when someone makes you laugh? 

The person that is your keeper will more than likely be able to make you laugh. They may tell you silly things when you’re having a bad day or surprise you with jokes all the time. You can trust this as one of many major signs your partner is a keeper.

Also Try: Does He Make You Laugh?

• They do nice things for you

One clear answer to what is a keeper is that it is someone who does nice things for you. They don’t do these things because they want something in return, they do them because they care about you, and they want to see you happy. 

They might treat you to dinner or bring you your favorite chocolate bar. Even little things can be so thoughtful if a person puts some thought into them.

• They don’t micromanage you

One of the influential signs your partner is a keeper is that they won’t micromanage you. They will offer you help when you need it or ask for it, but they won’t feel the need to tell you what to do when it isn’t necessary. 

This is something that may be difficult to find in a friend, much less a romantic partner. 

On the same token, you will not feel like you need to micromanage them. It is more likely that they will have their life together enough where you can offer advice if they want you to, but otherwise, you can trust that they know what they are doing.

• They try to stay in the moment with you

There are times in everyone’s life where hardships come or stress overwhelms them. 

When you are with a keeper, they will do their best to get you through those times. You won’t have to be concerned that you will be experiencing these things on your own. They will be right there with you, through thick and thin.

• They are realistic about expectations

If you are with a keeper, they will be realistic when it comes to the expectations that they have for you. Essentially, they won’t think that they can change you and they also won’t want to. 

There’s a good chance that they will like you exactly how you are. You will probably feel the same way about them too. Along with this, a keeper won’t ask you for things that they know you can’t do. 

For example, they won’t ask you to move in with them before they know you are ready or insist that you do something that makes you uncomfortable.

Related Reading: Setting Realistic Expectations When Looking for MR. or Mrs. Right

• They feel you are their equal

When you feel like you and your partner are equals, or they at least treat you that way, this is one of the biggest signs your partner is a keeper. 

Someone that cares about you will not only treat you like you want to be treated, but they will also make sure that you know that you are an important person in their life.

• You don’t always have to be talking to bond

If you don’t know what comfortable silence is, this is when you are able to sit in the same room with someone and be content. You don’t necessarily have to be having a conversation to be able to bond and enjoy yourself. 

Recall the last time you and your partner were sitting together drinking coffee or looking at your phones. Did you have to make conversation, or was there a peaceful silence? 

When you don’t feel awkward with silence when it comes to spending time with your partner, this is one of a number of notable signs your partner is a keeper too.

• They won’t make you feel bad about yourself

Someone that will stick with you for the unforeseeable future is likely not going to try to make you feel bad about yourself. Even if you make a mistake, they will be there to talk to you about it and help you work through what you will do better next time. 

They won’t try to make you feel like you are dumb or that you mess things up. In fact, they will likely do the opposite and remind you that it is human to make mistakes and that everyone does it. 

Additionally, they may do what they can to help you fix whatever problem you have.

• They will often have something comforting to say

A keeper will be able to console you at the right times. If you have encountered a loss, suffered a setback, or you lose your job, they will know just what to say. 

Moreover, they will do their best to make you feel better or cheer you up. They might even help you stay distracted, so you can get over whatever issue you are facing.

• They know they are special but aren’t conceited about it

If your partner is a keeper, they will likely know that they are special, but they aren’t concerned much about it. If you treat them with respect and are loyal to them, they will have no reason to look elsewhere for attention or love. 

A good rule of thumb is to offer gratitude if you have a partner that treats you the way you want to be treated. This can help you ensure that your relationship will be long-lasting. 

For another look on signs your partner is a keeper, check out this video: 

How do you know if you found a keeper?

If you have a person in your life that fulfills many of the signs listed above, these are good indications that you have found a keeper. 

When you are in a relationship with a keeper, you will likely understand that they are open, honest, and fair with you. They won’t make you feel bad, pressure you, or humiliate you in any way. You may even feel better anytime they are around.

What does it mean to be someone’s keeper?

If you are someone’s keeper, this probably means that you meet the mark when it comes to the signs in this list. You are respectful and are able to make the person you are with feel special in a genuine way.

Conclusion

Anytime you are looking for signs your partner is a keeper, you should think about the signs in this list. Not only are these traits that may be in your current partner or spouse, but they are also things that you should look for in prospective relationships. 

When you are with a keeper, although you may have arguments or a difference of opinion from time to time, for the majority of the time you spend together, you will have compassion and love for one another. You won’t want to hurt each other, act in a petty manner, or upset them for no reason.

Something else to keep in mind is that if you are a keeper or if your mate is a keeper, this is the type of relationship that is healthy and should be cultivated. Moreover, if you are in the process of trying to find your keeper, stay positive. There may be one out there for you.

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Sample Question

When you and your partner talk about something important…

We listen with care — even hard talks feel safe and productive

We try to talk, but lately emotional closeness feels harder to reach

I want to be open, but part of me still guards my heart

Our discussions sometimes spiral or end unresolved

It’s hard to feel close because our physical intimacy hasn’t felt strong lately

We often see things differently about goals or priorities

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