Things That Aren’t Impressive (They’re Literally Just The Bare Minimum)

The bare minimum consists of behaviors and traits that should be expected from your partner. Because without these things, your relationship would be dysfunctional at best or toxic at worst. But in case you needed a reminder of what you deserve at baseline, here are things that aren’t impressive (they’re literally just the bare minimum).

Being nice to you.

Your partner being nice to you is not something you should be pleasantly surprised by because someone you are dating should treat you with respect, compassion, and care. While you can absolutely be grateful for your partner’s kindness, you should also expect it. Because if they were not kind to you, what else would they be? Exactly.

Not cheating on you.

It is not difficult to commit when something is right, and it is also not hard to stay loyal if you are truly invested in a relationship. As such, your partner not cheating on you is not impressive. It is mandatory.

Remembering important details.

Remembering your birthday? Bare minimum. Making plans for your anniversary? Bare minimum. Knowing your favorite things? Bare minimum.

Texting and/or calling you back.

Can’t believe this needs even needs to be said but your partner should text and call you back within an appropriate amount of time. Ignoring you, delaying conversations, or leaving you on read for days on end is not okay. It is blatant disrespect. The way our generation has normalized ghosting and avoidance is honestly shameful. Demand better for yourself because you deserve better.

Making an effort with your friends and family.

Someone you are in a relationship with should always be respectful and interested in the people you hold closest. This does not mean they have to be best of friends. But they should at least try to connect at the level they can. After all, who is important to you should be important to them.

Making you feel safe.

Your partner should be your safe place, your home. They should be someone you can go to and be able to trust with your emotions, your body, your heart, and your life. If you are scared of your partner, this is a glaring red flag that must be taken seriously.

Doing housework.

If you live with your partner, pulling their weight around the house is non-negotiable. It is a shared responsibility to maintain a household and keep it running. You should not have to beg your partner to clean up after themselves and do basic chores. Not only is it totally unattractive to need to beg a grown-ass adult to do their part, it will also lead to major resentment down the road if you are constantly needing to pick up their slack.

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If you want to know if your partner is meeting the bare minimum, ask yourself if the behavior or trait in question is something they should be doing. If it is? Bare minimum. If it is not? That means it is something extra, and something to celebrate.