13 Amusing Ways to Tell if Pursuing a Relationship Is Worth It

This sounds cruel, but not every relationship is worth your time and effort. In a world where our time is precious, it’s crucial to quickly assess whether pursuing a relationship is the right move. 

Are relationships worth it? Absolutely—but only the ones that bring value to your life. So, how can you determine if being in a relationship is worth it? 

By focusing on key indicators that reveal whether pursuing a relationship will lead to genuine happiness and fulfillment. Here are 13 ways to quickly tell if a relationship is worth pursuing.

13 ways to quickly tell if a relationship is worth pursuing

Figuring out if pursuing a relationship is worth it can be challenging. However, certain signs can help you decide if it’s worth pursuing someone in a relationship. Here are 13 ways to quickly tell if a relationship is worth pursuing, ensuring you make informed decisions about your emotional investment.

1. Mutual respect

Mutual respect means valuing each other’s opinions, boundaries, and individuality. If both partners treat each other with consistent respect, it’s a strong indicator that pursuing a relationship is worthwhile. Respect lays the foundation for a healthy and balanced partnership.

According to a Licensed Professional Counselor, Christiana Njoku, 

Everyone deserves to be respected, including your partner. If respect is not served in the relationship, it is not worth pursuing.

2. Shared values

Having shared values ensures that you and your partner are aligned on fundamental beliefs and life principles. This alignment makes it easier to pursue a relationship where both partners feel understood and supported. Shared values often lead to smoother decision-making and fewer conflicts.

3. Good communication

Effective communication is essential in any relationship. If you and your partner can openly share your thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment, it’s a sign that pursuing a relationship could be successful. Good communication helps resolve conflicts and strengthens the bond.

4. Emotional support

Being there for each other emotionally is crucial. If your partner provides comfort, encouragement, and understanding, it shows that the relationship is worth pursuing. Emotional support fosters a safe environment where both partners can thrive.

5. Trustworthiness

Trust is a cornerstone of any meaningful relationship. If you can rely on your partner to be honest and dependable, it indicates that pursuing a relationship is a good idea. Trust builds security and confidence in the partnership.

6. Compatible life goals

Having compatible life goals means you and your partner envision similar futures. Whether it’s career aspirations, family plans, or lifestyle choices, being on the same page makes pursuing a relationship more promising. It ensures both partners are working towards common objectives.

7. Healthy boundaries

Respecting each other’s personal space and boundaries is vital. If both partners can set and respect boundaries, it shows that pursuing someone in a relationship is healthy. Healthy boundaries prevent feelings of suffocation and maintain individuality.

8. Genuine interest

Showing genuine interest in each other’s lives indicates a strong connection. If your partner is truly invested in your well-being and happiness, it suggests that pursuing a relationship is worth it. Genuine interest fosters deeper emotional intimacy.

9. Conflict resolution skills

The ability to resolve conflicts constructively is crucial. If you and your partner can navigate disagreements without resorting to hostility, it shows that pursuing a relationship is feasible. Effective conflict resolution promotes long-term harmony.

10. Shared sense of humor

A shared sense of humor can significantly enhance your relationship. If you and your partner can laugh together and find joy in similar things, it’s a sign that pursuing a relationship could be enjoyable. Humor helps lighten the mood and strengthens the bond.

11. Physical attraction

Physical attraction plays a role in the overall chemistry of a relationship. If you are physically attracted to each other and enjoy mutual affection, it’s an encouraging sign that pursuing a relationship might be right. Attraction fosters closeness and connection.

12. Mutual effort

Both partners should be willing to put in the effort to make the relationship work. If you see consistent effort from your partner to maintain and improve the relationship, it shows that pursuing a relationship is worthwhile. Mutual effort ensures that both partners are equally invested.

Christiana Njoku highlights,

The moment you realize that you are the only one making an effort without any contribution from your partner, it is a sign that the relationship is not worth pursuing.

13. Positive future outlook

Having a positive outlook on the future together is essential. If you and your partner can envision a happy and fulfilling future as a couple, it indicates that pursuing a relationship is promising. A positive future outlook provides motivation and hope for the relationship.

Don’t underestimate the power of having a positive outlook in life. Watch this inspiring video:

FAQs

Deciding whether a relationship is worth pursuing involves considering various factors and signs. Here are some common questions and their answers to help guide your evaluation.

• What factors should I consider when evaluating the worthiness of a relationship?

Consider factors like mutual respect, shared values, good communication, trustworthiness, and emotional support. These elements are essential for a healthy, fulfilling relationship. Evaluating these aspects helps determine if pursuing a relationship aligns with your needs and long-term goals.

• What signs indicate a relationship has the potential for long-term success?

Signs of potential long-term success include compatible life goals, effective conflict resolution, mutual effort, and a shared sense of humor. These signs show that both partners are committed to growing together and overcoming challenges, making the relationship worth pursuing.

• Is it normal to have doubts or uncertainties about whether a relationship is worth pursuing?

Yes, it’s normal to have doubts or uncertainties. Relationships can be complex, and it’s natural to question if they are worth pursuing. Reflecting on these doubts can help you gain clarity and make more informed decisions about your emotional investment.

• Can a relationship become worth pursuing after initial doubts or uncertainties?

Yes, a relationship can become worth pursuing after initial doubts. Open communication and mutual effort can resolve uncertainties and strengthen the bond. Sometimes, initial doubts help identify areas for improvement, leading to a more fulfilling and resilient relationship.

Determining relationship worth

Determining if a relationship is worth pursuing involves looking for signs like mutual respect, shared values, good communication, and trust. These indicators help you decide if investing in the relationship will lead to long-term happiness and fulfillment. 

By paying attention to these 13 key aspects, you can make informed choices about pursuing someone in a relationship. Trust your instincts and remember that a healthy, supportive relationship is worth the effort.

Marriage.com Assessment

Relationship Test: What Help Does Your Relationship Need Most Right Now?

If your relationship feels off balance, if communication feels harder, connection weaker, or tension more frequent, this assessment can help you understand what’s happening beneath the surface. Grounded in relationship psychology and evidence-...

Questions: 20 | Last updated: Nov 18, 2025

Sample Question

When you and your partner talk about something important…

We listen with care — even hard talks feel safe and productive

We try to talk, but lately emotional closeness feels harder to reach

I want to be open, but part of me still guards my heart

Our discussions sometimes spiral or end unresolved

It’s hard to feel close because our physical intimacy hasn’t felt strong lately

We often see things differently about goals or priorities

Take the Quiz Now

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Owen Kessler Author

Owen Kessler is a talented writer with a knack for making complex topics easy to understand. He has a particular interest in psychology and personal growth, and his writing is known for its insightful commentary on these subjects.... Read more When he’s not writing, Owen enjoys spending time camping in the beautiful mountains and forests that surround his home. He also loves to travel and has a deep appreciation for the diversity of cultures he encounters on his journeys. Read less