People Who Are Truly Ready For Commitment Show These 10 Subtle Signs, According To Dating Expert
If they show these signs, you're not just a phase, you're a part of the plan.

When speaking about relationships, we often discuss what would make someone a good man or what would make them a good woman in terms of being a partner. I think what often goes overlooked is the introspective aspect of building a solid foundation with someone and what it means to be ready for a relationship and commitment.
Psychologists define commitment readiness as a sense that the time is right to enter into a committed relationship, including a willingness to invest time, energy, and resources in the relationship. It doesn't matter if you find the man or woman of your dreams if you're not ready to have them in your life. It also brings about the possibility of the harsh truth that they may not be interested in you in return if you're not in the right place emotionally. So, what does this all look like?
People who are truly ready for commitment show these ten subtle signs, according to a dating expert:
1. They put solid, consistent effort into the relationship
I was going to say "They're ready to do their best for someone, every day," but let's be realistic — we are all human and we all have good days and bad days. We can only give so much, and we sometimes need to be supported ourselves.
What's important here is that they're ready to put solid, consistent effort into their partner, their relationship, and developing themselves. If they're not ready to do that, then it's best not to commit to someone.
2. They put someone else's interests ahead of their own
Dean Drobot / Shutterstock
There is compromise and sacrifice in every relationship. This could mean anything from watching a type of movie you don't like, to moving to a new city or state for the one you love.
The bottom line is, in a happy, healthy relationship, your partner's happiness is just as important as your own. Your willingness to put them first at times is a signal of your readiness to commit.
3. They understand the importance of communication
Communication is the backbone of a relationship in terms of keeping both partners feeling heard and understood. Nobody can read your mind, nor should they expect you to try to read theirs. Being able to openly and honestly communicate with the person you're committed to can make or break your relationship.
4. They've got some semblance of a path in life
It's difficult to plan a future with someone who has no plans for themselves. Things change, and life throws curveballs at us. Nobody can be expected to have it all figured out, but giving it a try is a good start.
5. They let the little things slide
No matter how well two people get along, odds are you will not like every. single. little. thing. about the other person. There may be small quirks that you've got to accept (and maybe ignore). If you get annoyed by everything they do, it will cause unnecessary tension in the relationship.
6. They're ready to accept someone as they are
You can't enter into a relationship with the hopes of molding someone into who you want them to be. It's important to note that in a healthy relationship, both partners will motivate each other to become the best versions of themselves. But note: this is not the same as trying to change someone's nature.
Happiness comes from the ability to be honest, and the ability to be honest comes from being able to open up to someone without being judged.
7. They don't look for someone to complete them
You, right now, are a whole, complete person. If you think you need to be in a relationship to be "complete," you will always be looking. True fulfillment and satisfaction come from within, and you cannot fully, effectively give yourself to someone until you've found it. You don't need someone to complete you, only someone to accept you completely.
8. They are happy being single
Prostock-studio / Shutterstock
If you're not happy being single, you won't be happy in a relationship. As said in the point above, true happiness comes from within. "Single" is simply a word to describe someone strong enough to live their life by themselves until the right person comes along to share it with.
If you're constantly searching for a relationship out of loneliness, you will find yourself with the first person who comes along who's interested in you. We all need to have the dignity and self-respect to only commit ourselves to those who deserve it, and the only way to be able to wait for that is to be happy before they come along.
9. Their ex is no longer a factor
We all have a past, and the new person in our life needs to be able to accept that. But we also have to accept that about ourselves and be able to leave it in the past. This is not cut and dry if there are children involved or other mutual commitments independent of the relationship.
On rare occasions, people stay friends with their exes or maybe even spend time together, but in most situations, to truly move on, we need to spend time completely cut off from them. No communication, no time together, nothing. Until you are completely over your ex and can give your full time and attention to someone new, it's better not to commit.
10. They are ready to blend their life into someone else's
While a relationship cannot be your entire life, it does permeate your entireity. You become connected with their friends, families, hobbies, pets, and living situations ... and they become connected with yours.
Sure, some privacy is important, but your willingness to fully accept someone into your life and routines is what will let the other person know you truly care and are ready to commit to them. They will become your teammate in taking on life together. You will be building bridges between your lives rather than walls.
More important than some sort of "checklist" though, is something nobody else can ever tell you: how you feel inside. I believe when we reach the right phase in life or come across the right person, we will know we are ready to leave the single life behind and build a life alongside them.
But, until that person comes along, it's important to work on ourselves and define our happiness, which we can then share with them. When you are ready, you will know.
James Michael Sama is an internationally recognized speaker, author, and personal development coach. He has become a go-to expert with outlets such as CNN, Bravo, The New York Post, The Huffington Post, The Daily Beast, CNBC, The Boston Globe, CBS, and more.