One of the most important measures of a positive and secure relationship can be when your partner is truly supportive of your goals that aren't directly related to them. It isn’t always easy to gather if your partner supports your goals, more so if you are completely blinded by your own goals and desires. For example, you may be so passionate about your dream that a mere mention of it by them may be taken as their support.
Isn't it easier to have a supportive partner who encourages your dreams if you are looking for a long-term commitment? You avoid all the stress of trying to perpetually defend your goals or the purpose of your life. Does your partner listen to your dreams and goals attentively? Do they look genuinely interested in dreams that are not directly related to them? Do they encourage your dreams? Do they appreciate you for your drive and find it appealing? Does your partner display understanding for your passions?
You may have dreams that aren’t related to them. For instance, doing volunteer work in another country or doing a solo backpacking trip in another continent. Are they open, appreciative and understanding of your dreams that do not involve them?
Do they go out of their way to help you achieve these dreams even if it doesn’t involve them? Let us take an example to enhance our understanding. Say for instance, you are working on an important project that is extremely close to your heart. You ask your partner for their opinion while you’re working on it. Your partner turns around and says they “don’t know”. This can either mean they just don’t care about whatever you are doing or they may not like what you are doing.
An encouraging partner may go out of their way and give you genuine suggestions to feel involved in the project. This may be their way of showing appreciation and support for your project. They may offer an unbiased opinion or help you enhance the project or simply make you a refreshing cup of coffee while you are working on it.
Do you find your partner freely talking about your accomplishments? Do they sound like they are genuinely proud of your achievements and goals? Do they praise your accomplishments around family and friends, and often can't wait to share any news related to your achievements?
Are they as focused on your dreams as they are on theirs? Do they gloat as much about your achievements as they do about theirs?
Does your partner take active interest in your daily work as well special projects? This is different from simply checking how your day at work was. It is about asking several genuine questions which indicate their interest in your passion.
Do they congratulate you when you receive promotions you have worked hard for? Do they view your success as their success? Do they genuinely like talking about what you are currently working on? Do they share your work related stresses and elation? Do they display excitement even at your smallest achievement? Do they actively listen to your stories and achievements with rapt attention or show more interest in checking their phone during the conversation? These questions and conversations are important in determining how supportive they are of your dreams.
Does your partner merely acknowledge your achievement without even a simple “congratulations”? Are you alright with feeling unappreciated or being with someone who doesn’t care much about your dreams? Are you alright with constantly fighting for your passion if your partner is not very supportive of it?
Does your partner trust you with a group of people who share your passion? For instance, you are part of a charity organization that requires you to travel around the world for volunteer assignments along with other members of the organization. Does your partner feel secure about your association with other members of the group who have similar passions? Do they create a big fuss when you work with single folks who share your passion? Do they do really nice and relaxing things for you when you feel stressed after working endlessly on a dream project? These tiny things may be their way of demonstrating their support and desire to make things easier for you.
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