When to Keep Going With a New Partner and When to Stop

Whether you've been recently single or if you've been alone for some time, finding a new partner is always exciting.

The flood of emotions is intoxicating. You feel unstoppable; like you're on top of the world. The power of the honeymoon period can make people say and do crazy things. So much so that conventional wisdom can get thrown out the window.

As wonderful as everything seems, it pays to stop and smell the roses once in a while. Do that and you might just get a whiff of the dirt beneath those flowers. Then, you'll notice not-so-wonderful things that you otherwise wouldn't have.

Once that happens, it'll be time to rely on both your head and your heart. Here are some signs that your new relationship is worth pursuing . . . and signs that you might have to nip it in the bud.

Keep Going When . . . You are Certain of Your Safety in the Relationship

This doesn't just mean physical safety. It also extends to emotional, mental, and even financial safety. If you can't be safe within the confines of your own relationship, then nothing else should matter. Not even your burgeoning infatuation.

Make safety a priority and you won't ever live to see a day when you'll regret it.

Think About Stopping When . . . the Intimacy Is Fleeting

Sometimes, it can be a spur of the moment thing. Your new lover looks ravishing under the glow of the pale moonlight. Or maybe the two of you had too much to drink and things just grew from there.

If you feel like your intimate connection comes and goes, then you've got some serious considerations to take.

Keep Going When . . . You Know Your Values Align

New feelings for someone makes it easy to dismiss differences. It's an easy mistake for anyone to make, even veterans of love. Taking the time to talk about what's important to the both of you can help determine just how deep your compatibility is.

Remember: if your values align, then you've got a chance at a truly bright future together.

Think About Stopping When . . . You Disagree More Than You Agree

Opposites attract, that much is true. At least, in the beginning. It's exciting to date someone so different from yourself, but the novelty wears off fast. Before long, not even the honeymoon period can save the difficulties that being too different brings.

Once you notice it's hard to actually agree on anything, then you've got another sign to watch out for.

Keep Going When . . . You Know You Can Fully Trust Your Partner

Without trust, there is no such thing as true and lasting love. Of course, it isn't recommended to trust blindly just because you want the relationship to succeed that badly. Things like radical honesty can help build it in a legitimate manner, bit by bit.

Yet, once you're sure you can fully and truly trust your partner, then you can say you two ought to keep going.

Think About Stopping When . . . You Don't or Can't Trust Your Partner

You shouldn't just think about stopping. You should stop. Being able to spot red flags early on is a huge blessing. Once you realize that you don't or cannot trust your lover, then a premature end would be less painful in the long-run.

New love can be a double-edged blade. On one hand, it empowers and fulfills every fiber of your being. On the other hand, it can plant the seeds of future misery and pain. As great as your new partner may be, you need to balance optimism with pragmatism.

So take a few lessons from the signs outlined above. Romance is great, but it's even better to know when to proceed and when to stop dead in your tracks.