Long-term relationships are increasingly rare. For many millennials, marriage is a relic from days-gone-by, and solid commitment is a second-date. Finding connection in the digital age is difficult when relationships can be fleeting and fickle. As I approach 30, my dating journey consists of multiple mid-term monogamous relationships — most of my friends are the same.
There are two sides to this evolving dynamic. On one hand there’s freedom from societal pressure to settle down and commit to an unfulfilling relationship; it is liberating. On the other hand, many promising relationships break down at the first sign of hardship.
How do we uncover where our relationship stands? How do we know when to liberate ourselves from obligation, or to work through problems?
The answers to these questions are unique to each relationship. However, there are 6 questions to ask yourself that can reveal deeper hidden truths, guide you to making decisions, and provide clarity on whether your relationship will stand the test of time.
1. What expectations do I have?
There’s a fine-line between “not settling” and “chasing perfect”. This line is dictated by our expectations. Having sky-high expectations about what your relationship should be is a way to add too much pressure and join the conveyor belt of always looking for the one.
The reality is arguments happen, there will be conflict, there will be disagreements, there will be times when you aren’t feeling attracted to your partner.
Having realistic expectations gives you a clearer view of the relationship. Without fixed beliefs about what a relationship should be, you’re able to see the reality of the person in front of you.
I learnt the hard-way that my belief in “the one” was making each relationship destined to fail. Only when I let go of sky-high expectations did I mature in my approach to dating.
2. Are we compatible?
Compatibility comes in many forms. No relationship should be your number one source of fulfillment, and it’s normal to have areas of incompatibility. Still, it’s important to break down your areas of compatibility into negotiable and non-negotiable. There may be areas you know are deal breakers: such as sexual chemistry, spirituality, meaningful conversation or sense of humor.
But there are a host of incompatibilities that don’t mean things won’t work out. Not every box has to be ticked. Again, assess expectations in this regard. Whilst I used to look for 100% compatibility, now I look for 60% or 70% in a partner.
Right now, my non-negotiable compatibility includes monogamy, mutual spiritual support, emotional intimacy, and honesty. I’m independent and enjoy my own company, so it doesn’t bother me if I don’t share many social activities with a partner, and I’m content meeting a few times per week.
3. What is my motivation for this relationship?
If you’re in a relationship because it’s what you’ve always done or because it feels safe or familiar, then it’s worth assessing the motivating factors behind this. Life’s too short to be in a relationship with a sense of obligation, or simply because we fear being alone. Explore your motivation and see if you’re in a relationship to avoid or gain.
In the past I’ve entered relationships to avoid loneliness and gain companionship. But under the surface I realized I was afraid of being alone. When I worked on my codependency and developed a sense of self-compassion, I no longer felt I needed a relationship. My self-sufficiency freed me to choose a relationship because I wanted it, but didn’t need it.
Now, I look to relationships as gain only. I gain companionship, mutual understanding, emotional intimacy, fun, sexual fulfillment. I’m not using the relationship to avoid difficulties in life, such as an inability to handle my emotions, or a need for external validation. I take responsibility and find a healthy balance between self-regulation and emotional support.
4. Am I sexually satisfied?
I’ll be blunt. Romantic relationships are distinguished by sexual intimacy. Sex is important. This doesn’t mean earth-shattering intoxication or chemistry all day, every day, but it does mean a relationship where you feel comfortable sharing, exploring and expressing your sexuality. Life’s too short to be in a romantic relationship with zero sexual compatibility.
Are there times when this doesn’t matter? Of course! If sex really isn’t a big deal to you and you value emotional intimacy and security and find that in a partner who equally doesn’t value sex, it can work. But this isn’t about ever-lasting lust and excitement. It's about a level of comfort in satisfying each other’s needs and cultivating a trusting space of loving intimacy; the kind that doesn’t diminish over time.
This requires an honest look at your level of sexual satisfaction. It’s highly unlikely to find a partner with exactly the same sex drive, and that’s fine. The key is clear communication, and finding a mutual mid-point that works for both of you.
5. What do I want to create?
The decline in social expectations offers the chance to build unique, unconventional relationships. Rather than allowing unquestioned cultural norms to dictate the relationship, ask yourself what you’d like to create.
Exploring grey areas with openness and honesty is liberating in itself, and you’d be surprised just how much conditioning exists around what romance really means. There will be areas you think you want, only to realize it’s “how things are” and your natural needs are different.
As I mentioned earlier, my relationships leave room for independence and spiritual growth. I no longer chase chemical highs that come with meeting someone new. For me, monogamy is a deal breaker when cultivating emotional and physical intimacy with someone. This form of monogamy and independence is unconventional. We’re exclusive yet there aren’t expectations around regular sleepovers, daily contact, or living together.
This works for me. What works for you will be different. So ask yourself what you genuinely, authentically want to create. Write a list in your journal. Reflect on what feels natural. You might be surprised at what you discover. The next step is exploring how to create something from authentic foundations with your partner — this in itself will show areas of compatibility.
6. Do I see myself in this relationship in five years’ time?
I’m going to turn this question on its head and say: it doesn’t matter if you don’t see yourself in your current relationship in five years’ time. None of us know how life plays out.
Some relationships last a lifetime when originally both people thought it wouldn’t work. Others paint vivid futures together only for things to rapidly fall apart. The future is uncertain and no relationship is future-proof.
So instead of viewing a relationship in terms of longevity, ask yourself: am I nourished by this relationship in the present? Am I growing and learning, about myself, about my partner, about how to relate?
An ex of mine sent me an article recently about how to define “success” in relationships. Ultimately if we are learning and growing then the relationship is a success — whether it lasted 10 years, 10 months, or 10 weeks. Getting to know someone, sharing hopes, dreams, fears, and the human experience is beautiful in its own right. To experience this is a blessing.
So regardless of how you answer these questions, know nothing has been wasted. But by gaining clarity on what you want, you’ll get the most from your current relationship, and make the most of each moment. The rest will take care of itself.
More helpful articles:
Military Dad Defends His 4 Little Daughters When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Military Dad of 4 Daughters Defends His Girls When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Austin von Letkemann is the military officer strangers feel "sorry" for — and the reason is infuriating.
Whenever the devoted father leaves the house with his four children, strangers can't help but notice the officer in uniform is holding hands with 4 adorable little girls. They will tell the traditionally "masculine" and "all American" dad they feel sorry for him, because he has no sons. This dad makes one thing very clear: They are his daughters, they aren't a burden.
In a passionate video, von Letkemann took to Instagram to share with his followers that the only thing that's "difficult" about being a girl dad — is clapping back to these sexist remarks over and over again.
They Mock His Daughters To Their Face
When strangers approach Austin von Letkemann and his four daughters, they don't always realize that their comments are being overheard. They seem oblivious to the fact that his girls understand every word. Von Letkemann describes how people will approach him and, without thinking, make remarks like "I'm sorry" or even joke about his lack of sons. What they don't realize is that these comments, intended to be light-hearted or humorous, can be deeply hurtful to his daughters. These strangers are not just disrespecting von Letkemann's choices as a father; they're also sending a message to his daughters that their presence is something to be pitied. It’s a message that von Letkemann won't stand for, and he's speaking out to defend his girls from these insensitive remarksSaying "Get Your Shotgun" Isn't Funny — It's Sexist
Another common comment that Austin von Letkemann encounters is the old "better get your shotgun ready" trope, often delivered with a smirk or a wink. This line is typically intended to suggest that a father with daughters should be on high alert to protect them from potential "suitors," implying that they are objects to be guarded rather than individuals with agency.
Von Letkemann finds this line of thinking outdated and sexist. In his viral Instagram video, he points out that these jokes are not just stale — they're damaging.
By suggesting that his daughters require armed protection, the joke reinforces the idea that women are inherently vulnerable and need to be shielded from men. Von Letkemann argues that instead of promoting this narrative, society should focus on teaching respect and consent, challenging these sexist tropes at their source.
Watch Austin von Letkemann's Video:
"If I Had A Fifth Child, I'd HOPE It Was A Girl" — One Dad's Message For Other Parents
Despite the constant remarks about his lack of sons, Austin von Letkemann is clear: He wouldn't trade his daughters for anything.
In fact, he told his Instagram followers that if he were to have a fifth child, he would hope for another girl. This declaration isn't just about doubling down on his pride in his family — it's a pointed response to those who see fathering daughters as a misfortune.
Von Letkemann's stance is a powerful one, rejecting the notion that a family is incomplete without sons. He encourages others to question the assumptions behind these comments and to appreciate the joy and fulfillment that his daughters bring. By sharing his story, von Letkemann hopes to create a more inclusive perspective on fatherhood, one that values daughters just as much as sons.