Being a good partner is just as important as other responsibilities.

The things that are seen as desirable in a relationship vary a lot from person to person, but there are a few nearly universal traits. One of these is that most would prefer to be with somebody who is considerate and prioritizes their needs. They say that who you choose to marry is one of the most important decisions that you ever make, and the very best and worst examples of married life seem to exemplify this. It is amazing how much one individual can impact your life purely by proximity.

For couples that have kids, this decision takes on even more importance. It is possible that traits that are passable in a partner are not going to fly if that partner has to be a co-parent as well. When somebody has to juggle their relationship, kids, work, and maybe other responsibilities, some things will inevitably take a back seat now and then. The key is understanding when to cut some slack and when to put in the appropriate amount of effort to get tasks done. It isn’t an easy balance, but it is worth trying to get it right.