It is crucial to establish and uphold standards when entering a romantic relationship as it directly influences your mental well-being. Setting standards enables individuals to define their personal boundaries, expectations, and the treatment they deem acceptable from a partner. By doing so, they foster a sense of self-respect and self-worth, leading to healthier dynamics.

Upholding standards also aids in filtering out potential partners who may not align with your values, goals, or emotional needs, thus reducing the likelihood of entering toxic or emotionally taxing relationships. This, in turn, minimizes the risk of experiencing feelings of inadequacy, resentment, and emotional distress, promoting a more stable and positive mental state. Ultimately, having standards in romantic relationships serves as a form of self-care, nurturing a supportive and uplifting environment that is conducive to mental and emotional well-being.

Here are four important standards to carry into a romantic relationship:

1. It is important to have standards. Expecting someone to show you kindness, empathy, and respect your time is the bare minimum.

2. It is healthy to want your emotional needs to be met. When a person consistently fails to show up, commit, or leaves you feeling confused, it's okay to move on or do what you need to protect your emotional well-being.

3. It is important to pay attention to how someone makes you feel. If a person consistently leaves you feeling unhappy and drained, you must be willing to ask yourself why this person still has access to you. Consider if what you're gaining matters more than what you're missing or losing.

4. It is important to communicate when things are over. Do not drag people along or ghost them. Be an adult and have a conversation about the end of the relationship.