What are the signs that a relationship is progressing well according to “The Tao of Badass”?
In “The Tao of Badass” by Joshua Pellicer, a well-progressing relationship is defined by a combination of emotional connection, trust, mutual respect, and growing attraction. Pellicer emphasizes that healthy relationships are built on communication, shared values, and compatibility, and he provides several key signs to look for to determine if a relationship is moving in the right direction. Here are the signs that a relationship is progressing well according to “The Tao of Badass”:
1. Open and Honest Communication
Pellicer stresses the importance of open communication as a core indicator of a healthy relationship. Both partners should feel comfortable sharing their thoughts, feelings, and concerns without fear of judgment or rejection. As communication deepens, the relationship becomes more transparent and authentic.
- Key Sign: You and your partner can openly discuss your needs, desires, and emotions without hesitation. There is a sense of trust and honesty in your conversations, and both partners feel heard and respected.
2. Increasing Emotional Intimacy
Emotional intimacy is a key sign of a well-progressing relationship. Pellicer explains that as relationships grow, partners should feel more emotionally connected, trusting each other with their vulnerabilities and building a deeper bond.
- Key Sign: You feel comfortable sharing personal experiences, emotions, and vulnerabilities with each other, and this openness creates a deeper emotional bond. You both feel safe in the relationship and trust each other with your innermost thoughts.
3. Mutual Respect and Understanding
Pellicer highlights the importance of mutual respect in any healthy relationship. Both partners should respect each other’s boundaries, values, and individuality, and there should be no attempt to control or manipulate the other person.
- Key Sign: You and your partner respect each other’s differences and support each other’s goals and aspirations. There is no sense of control or manipulation, and both partners feel valued for who they are.
4. Growing Physical and Emotional Attraction
Attraction, both physical and emotional, is essential for a relationship to thrive. Pellicer emphasizes that as relationships develop, the attraction between partners should continue to grow, deepening both the physical connection and emotional intimacy.
- Key Sign: You feel an increasing level of attraction and desire for each other, both physically and emotionally. The chemistry between you continues to grow, and you enjoy spending time together, whether it’s during intimate moments or just hanging out.
5. Compatibility in Values and Goals
According to Pellicer, compatibility is a key factor in the long-term success of a relationship. As the relationship progresses, both partners should discover that their core values, beliefs, and long-term goals align. This ensures that the relationship is built on a strong foundation of mutual understanding.
- Key Sign: You and your partner share similar values, life goals, and future plans. Whether it’s about career ambitions, family plans, or personal growth, your paths align, and you feel like you’re working toward a common future.
6. Effective Conflict Resolution
Pellicer points out that how a couple handles conflict is a significant indicator of a healthy relationship. Disagreements are natural, but it’s the ability to resolve conflicts in a respectful and constructive way that shows the relationship is progressing well.
- Key Sign: When disagreements arise, you and your partner handle them calmly and respectfully. You both listen to each other’s perspectives, work toward solutions, and avoid letting arguments escalate into personal attacks or resentment.
7. Increasing Trust
Trust is fundamental to any successful relationship, and Pellicer notes that as a relationship progresses, trust should deepen between both partners. This trust is built on consistent actions, honesty, and reliability over time.
- Key Sign: You trust your partner completely, and they trust you. There is no sense of insecurity or suspicion, and both of you feel confident in the other’s loyalty and commitment.
8. Support for Personal Growth
Pellicer emphasizes that in a healthy, progressing relationship, both partners encourage each other’s personal growth and support each other’s individual goals. Instead of holding each other back, they inspire one another to become the best versions of themselves.
- Key Sign: You feel supported in your personal goals and ambitions, and your partner encourages you to pursue your passions. You, in turn, support your partner’s growth, and there is a sense of teamwork and encouragement in the relationship.
9. Balanced Give and Take
Pellicer stresses the importance of balance in relationships. As the relationship progresses, both partners should contribute equally to the emotional and practical aspects of the relationship, avoiding situations where one person is giving more than the other.
- Key Sign: The relationship feels balanced in terms of emotional support, time, and effort. Both partners invest in the relationship equally, and there is no sense of one person carrying the relationship more than the other.
10. Enjoyment of Each Other’s Company
Pellicer highlights the importance of simply enjoying each other’s company. Whether it’s during shared activities, conversations, or quiet moments, couples in a well-progressing relationship find joy and contentment in being together.
- Key Sign: You genuinely enjoy spending time together, regardless of what you’re doing. You have fun, share laughter, and feel comfortable in each other’s presence. The relationship feels natural and easy, and you look forward to being with each other.
11. Future-Oriented Conversations
As a relationship progresses, Pellicer notes that partners should start having future-oriented conversations about where the relationship is heading. This includes discussing long-term plans, whether it’s about commitment, living arrangements, or family planning.
- Key Sign: You and your partner openly discuss the future and where the relationship is heading. There is excitement and agreement about shared plans, whether that involves moving in together, traveling, or planning for long-term commitment. You both feel aligned in your vision for the future.
12. Consistency in Actions and Words
Pellicer explains that consistency is a strong indicator of a well-progressing relationship. Both partners should follow through on their promises and demonstrate reliability in both their words and actions.
- Key Sign: Your partner’s actions align with their words, and you can rely on them to follow through on commitments. There is no sense of inconsistency or mixed signals, and you both feel secure in the relationship because you trust each other’s intentions and actions.
Conclusion
In “The Tao of Badass,” Joshua Pellicer outlines several key signs that a relationship is progressing well. These include open and honest communication, increasing emotional intimacy, mutual respect, and growing attraction. Trust, compatibility in values and goals, and effective conflict resolution are also important indicators. Additionally, a balanced relationship with mutual support for personal growth and future-oriented conversations further suggests that a relationship is on the right track. By recognizing and fostering these qualities, partners can ensure that their relationship continues to deepen and flourish over time.