Committing to a long-term relationship (LTR) or marriage isn’t just about love; it’s about readiness—a blend of emotional maturity, practical alignment, and shared vision. For serious partners in 2025, moving forward requires a candid assessment of the relationship’s foundation and individual preparedness.

This “Readiness Test” isn’t a score, but a guide to the essential conversations you must have to determine if your partnership is built to last.

Part I: The Emotional Readiness Assessment

A solid LTR requires two emotionally secure individuals who can handle life’s inevitable stressors as a unified team.

1. Conflict Management Style

• Can you Fight Fair? Are your disagreements productive, or do they devolve into hostility or withdrawal? Ready partners know how to use “I” statements (e.g., “I feel frustrated when…”) instead of blaming “You” statements.
• Do you Repair? After an argument, can one or both partners effectively initiate a repair attempt (a joke, an apology, a hug) to de-escalate the tension? The willingness to repair is more crucial than the frequency of conflict.

2. Emotional Regulation and Individual Health

• Self-Sufficient Happiness: Are you primarily happy and stable on your own, or do you rely on your partner to fix your moods or fill a void?

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