Couples Who Are Truly in Love Connect in These 5 Ways

In how many areas do you share a bond with your partner? How strong is it in each area? Where is it lacking? Take a look at these five important points of connection, and see how your relationship measures up:

1. You can connect on an emotional level.
A healthy emotional connection means that you have the ability and willingness to share your feelings with each other — especially the more vulnerable ones such as sadness, fear, shame, or loneliness. If you’re not vulnerable with each other in this way, your relationship may have some growing to do, or you may be dating someone who is not emotionally expressive.

It must also be reciprocal. If you feel intense feelings toward them, but you sense they don’t feel the same way, you may not have the connection you need for a healthy relationship.

Having open, authentic conversations about how you feel about the relationship and each other will help you determine if there’s a true emotional connection.

2. You build social connections in a similar way.
How do you relate to each other socially? How do you relate to the world as individuals and as a couple? Sharing mutual interests in activities, hobbies, and lifestyle can help in building a healthy social connection.

Do you spend time doing these activities together and actually enjoyeach other’s company? Do you spend time with your partner’s friends and family?

Social connection can also be determined by how you relate to each other. If one of you is more introverted and the other is more extroverted, it can be a good complement and balance for the relationship—or it can create a disconnect. Evaluate how you relate to each other and to the outside world. If you feel like you can be good friends, you’re in luck.

3. You think and process things similarly.
Do you think alike? If you’re a rocket scientist dating someone who doesn’t think in analytical, intellectual ways, you might be bored with your discussions. Finding an intellectual match can help connect you with both conversation and interests.

4. Your chemistry is undeniable.
Physical chemistry is really important. Sometimes, this may be the only connection, or at least the initial connection you have with someone.

5. You feel like you’re MEANT to be together.
Have you met a kindred spirit? Depending on your spiritual beliefs or faith, this could be an important piece of a relationship.

If you feel a deeper level of connection, you may be with each other for a reason. It’s not uncommon for people to feel like fate or faith brought them together. Connection is multi-layered. Depending on who you are and what you need in a relationship, there can be other areas you need to feel connected to someone.

If you’re looking for a long-term relationship, the better the quality and quantity of connections you have, the better chance you have for a successful relationship.