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I’m definitely happy being single; however, at some point in my life, I would like to be matched with my partner.

It’s been difficult to not allow my difficult past with ex-partners to affect. But, it is important to move forward and choose love. I still believe there is hope for me, despite my past.

This is the kind of relationship that I want:

1. A relationship where peace wins.

Sure, partners fight. However, peace should always win over ego and personality-clashing. A relationship should be a place of love and happiness ; not of war and unhappiness.

2. A relationship built on honesty and trust.

I hear a lot of women say, ‘All men cheat’, ‘men are like dogs’ and, ‘all men are the same’. When I hear these words, a part of me gets angry because every person is different and has different things happen to them. Another thing that I hear some women say is, ‘As long as I don’t find out, he can do whatever he wants’. I’m not going to tell you that you should be in a monogamous and faithful relationship. However, if you have committed to that, then that is how it should remain; unless both parties decide to change things. Trust is not an easy thing to restore because the person whose trust was broken, will always be thinking about what the other person did for the trust to be broken and wondering if it will happen again.

3. A relationship where both people are committed.

I was in a relationship with someone for 5 years who continuously made me feel as though I was alone in the relationship. It’s not a good feeling. A relationship cannot survive if only one person acknowledges it and recognizes it. In order for a relationship to thrive, both people need to be in it or there is no point.

4. A relationship where respect is number first on the priority list.

If there is respect in a relationship, the fundamentals fall into place. There is no need to worry about your partner straying, being cheated on or being abused if you generally feel respected and heard in a relationship. Yes, there are the exceptions. However, if you respect yourself and your partner respects you, you leave little-to-no room for people to take advantage of you and you leave a whole lot of space for trust and love to flourish.