5 Important Moments That Can Make or Break Your Relationship

Relationships are all about compatibility.

Can you and your partner get along? Do you have a natural chemistry? Do your goals and communication styles mesh well? The answer to these and other important questions will all define just how long your relationship will last.

Of course, it takes some trial and error to figure out if you and your S.O. are compatible, but some moments are more telling than others.

Keep scrolling for five important moments that can make or break your relationship.

1. The First Kiss

Even if you're head-over-heels in like with someone's personality, physical chemistry is so important to the health of your relationship. Oftentimes there's very little need to worry about your physical compatibility, as it will usually align with how you feel about the other person. On rare occasions, however, things might not click as seamlessly as they should.

The first kiss is one of those super telling, make-or-break moments. It doesn't have to be flawless or free of fear, but it shouldn't be unenjoyable. If your first kiss with your partner makes you cringe, you're probably not going to last very long. On the other hand, if your first kiss with your partner is full of butterflies and fireworks, you might have found someone who's worth keeping around, at least for a little while.

(To All the Boys I've Loved Before via Netflix)

 

2. Meeting the Family

Obviously meeting the family is an incredibly significant milestone in your relationship. But even though bringing your S.O. into your inner circle usually communicates that you want to keep them around, meeting the family could be one of those moments that changes everything. Not only are you considering how you and your partner interact, you now also have to think about how they mesh with all your family members. Basically, you're forced to examine if everyone likes each other enough for this relationship to last.

Your family isn't going anywhere, so if they're not very fond of your S.O., the relationship probably isn't worth continuing. But if the meeting results in happy smiles and nods of approval, it's just one more confirmation that you've found someone worthy of your affection.

 

3. Celebrating a Birthday

Birthdays are always a big deal, but everyone has different expectations for how they should be celebrated. That's why the first birthday celebration in your relationship matters so much. If you want to be doted on hand and foot and your S.O. barely acknowledges that it's a special day, it's going to get under your skin. On the other hand, if you're uncomfortable with a lot of attention and your S.O. continues to thrust you into the spotlight, it's going to be equally as weird.

You might have a lot of conflict in your birthday celebrations or you and your S.O. might have the perfect day. Either way, the way you deal with big moments—like birthdays—will be very telling. If you can't get on the same page about major events, there may be no point in continuing to pursue your romance.

(Riverdale via The CW)

 

4. The First Fight

Considering you and your S.O. can't always get along, conflict styles are so important in a relationship. Chances are your conflict styles won't align at all—that's why arguments are so frustrating. However, that makes the first fight an even bigger moment in your relationship.

No one enjoys arguing. In fact, most people try to escape it if they're able to. Therefore, the first fight often requires a choice to walk away or stay and figure out how to work through the problem. If you both get through the argument without threatening a breakup or calling off your relationship, it's a good sign that your romance is pretty healthy. However, there's always the chance that your first fight may be your last, which just means that your relationship wasn't that strong to begin with.

 

5. Saying 'I Love You'

Saying "I love you" is a major make or break moment because it forces both of you to make a decision about the seriousness of your relationship. If one person says it too soon or if you're just not on the same page, it can easily lead to a breakup. However, if all goes smoothly, exchanging "I love yous" indicates a deepening of your relationship and a transition into a more serious side of your romance. It could go perfectly or it could go poorly, but either way, your relationship will be irrevocably changed.

 

On the hunt for more relationship advice? Click HERE for the worst excuses to stay in a relationship.