2 Ways To ‘Future-Proof' Your Relationship — By A Psychologist

Forbes

13 hours ago

While the perfect partnership isn't guaranteed, you can 'future-proof' your love to a certain ... More extent. Here's how to know if your bond is built for long-term compatibility.
Many people seek to find true, long-lasting love. Putting yourself out there is a vulnerable, courageous act, but it's only the beginning. Finding a partner you truly align with means showing up as your authentic self, not shying away from asking for what you need and having the courage to walk away, rather than settle when a partner isn't right for you.
Research shows that it's common for people to settle for relationships that don't satisfy them, out of a fear of being single. However, there seems to be a positive wave of change — people are choosing better, and learning to put themselves first.
According to dating app Bumble's report on global dating trends in 2025, many members are focusing on 'future-proofing' their relationships by ensuring that they choose compatible partners.
Researchers used data from over 40,000 Gen Z and millennial Bumble members from 13 countries around the world, finding that members are looking for stability in relationships, with 2 in 3 women saying they want to be more honest with themselves about what they want in love and that they are not willing to compromise on compatibility and core values.
This is a constructive approach to dating, where rather than letting an initial rush of romantic feelings dictate one's dating journey, singles are expressing the need to make intentional, grounded choices and focusing on long-term compatibility rather than immediate gratification.
Here are two ways to 'future-proof' your relationship, according to research.
When you're dating someone new, it's easy to brush past topics that might possibly be uncomfortable or divisive. However, this is a common trap many couples fall into — avoiding 'serious' discussions at first, only to find differences with time, and regret not having them earlier.
According to Bumble's report, many users are experiencing uncertainty about the state of the world, with 95% of singles reporting that these worries about the future impact who they're choosing to date.
'In today's world, uncertainty about the future, whether it's finances, job security, housing, or climate change is playing into our love lives,' the Bumble report mentions.
Due to this, in 2025, these conversations may take precedence in the dating process, with 1 in 4 women members reporting that they're likely to push for conversations around these topics early on.
A 2019 study published in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships explored how voting patterns in the 2016 U.S. presidential election impacted married and cohabiting couples. Researchers found that if partners voted differently, it exacerbated relationship stress and conflict, and negatively affected their communication and resilience as a couple.
These findings highlight how differences in core values can weaken long-term relationships, and how important shared values can be in determining the fate of your relationship.
While partners don't have to agree on everything, it's essential to have discussions about each other's core values, ideologies and relationship expectations, to make sure they're aligned and in turn, 'future-proof.'
In the initial stages of a relationship, we're likely to be on our best behavior. We also tend to idealize our partners more, assuming the best of them. While this can help us view our partners more positively and boost relationship satisfaction at first, in the long-term, research shows that unrealistic idealization is associated with declines in marital satisfaction.
So, it's important to see someone for who they are, and pay careful attention to whether they're consistent in their behavior over time before assuming that they're perfect for you.
In Bumble's 2025 report, 59% of women reported that they now prioritize stability in a partner — someone that is emotionally consistent and dependable.
Such a partner never leaves you guessing about their feelings or their availability. They communicate openly and thoughtfully, make their intentions clear, follow through on promises and show emotional attunement to your needs.
Rather than being hot-and-cold, they're predictable in the best way, because they consistently show up for you, support you and stand by their beliefs, rather than pretending to be someone they're not.
Even though you can't predict the future, if you can rely on your partner, it's a great way to know that your relationship is resilient — no matter what the future brings.
Has a fear of being single caused you to stay with partners who don't align with you? Take this science-backed test to learn more: Fear Of Being Single Scale