When you're single and looking for love, the prospect of finding a healthy relationship can seem daunting. Whether you want to date the old-fashioned way or you prefer the process of modern dating — making a dating profile that stands out, combing through your matches, and of course, actually going out on dates — it can take a lot of time and effort to find a fulfilling relationship. While that might not be exactly what you want to hear, the good news is that dating, although challenging, can also be super fun and rewarding, particularly if you practice healthy and smart dating habits.

But what does mean? Essentially, it boils down to being mindful — both of who you are as a person, and of what you want in another person.  If you're serious about finding a partner below are habits that people who find the relationships they want have in common.

They Don't Look For Someone To "Complete" Them

Although Jerry McGuire might have made audiences swoon with his emotional "you complete me" speech, in reality, you shouldn't be looking for someone to make you feel whole — you should feel like a complete person on your own before adding someone else to the mix.

They Trust Their Intuition

Being willing to trust your gut when it's telling you someone is (or is not) a good match for you.  Trust your intuition.  Consult with close friends and family about your feelings and have them weigh in their thoughts.

They Pay Attention To How They're Treated

At the very beginning of a relationship, both people are typically on their best behavior — which means that if someone isn't treating you the way you want to be treated upfront, you should be confident enough to call things off.

 They Don't Rush Relationships

 If you really hit it off with someone, feelings can develop fast — but instead of rushing into a commitment right away, you're better off taking the time to really get to know a person before you hitch their figurative wagon to yours.

 They're Not Afraid To Say They Want A Long Term, Committed Relationship

 People who get the relationship they want know this — playing it cool, being aloof and pretending that there's something wrong with unapologetically saying 'I want a relationship' is for people who are willing to stay single indefinitely.

 They Practice Self Love

Before you can find a healthy relationship with someone else, you first need to have a healthy relationship with yourself — something you can achieve over time through practicing self love.

 They're Content Being Single, Too

Even if being single isn't your preference, you should still at least feel happy and comfortable when you're not attached — because your relationship status shouldn't be your only source of happiness.

 They Stick To Their Dealbreakers

We all have relationship dealbreakers, and healthy and smart daters know that sticking to those — even when you like plenty of other things about a person — is the only way to find someone who will truly make a good match in the long run.

 They're Positive

The most important healthy and smart dating habit to adopt ASAP? Being able to find joy in the process of dating, even when the going gets tough and you feel like you'll never find the right person (spoiler alert: you will).

 Dating is a journey, it takes time.  Date smart and healthy.  I often say dating is like a job.  As an expert in this industry with close to thirty years of experience, the person that finds their true match remains hopeful, positive and patient.  Your match is out there- don’t give up!