When you’re in a serious relationship with someone, thinking about a shared future with them probably comes to mind often.

If you can imagine what things will be like with your partner in five to 10 years with excitement and hopefulness, you’re most likely in a great relationship.

Contrarily, if you’re having doubts about what’s to come down the line with your partner, there’s a chance you aren’t meant to stay with them for the long haul.

Don’t ignore your gut instincts about deal breakers

It’s crucial that you listen to your gut feelings and instincts when you picture a future with your partner.

Every deal breaker that pops up should be acknowledged and analyzed. The more deal breakers you ignore, the more difficult the eventual breakup will be for you down the line.

Don’t get so swept away in the hype of love that you lose focus on deal breakers that might negatively impact your relationship down the line.

Keep in mind that your partner is allowed to call out any deal breakers they might be having about you as well.

Deal breakers can be just about anything you decide is important to you. Examples? It’s a deal breaker if you know you never want to have kids, but your partner is pressuring you to change your mind.

It’s a deal breaker if you can’t stand smokers, but your partner won’t quit the cigarettes.

It’s a deal breaker if you know you don’t want a 50/50 relationship, but your partner still expects you to pay half of all the bills.

Listen to your gut instincts before letting things progress too far.