This is a huge one. It’s tough to put into words what feeling safe feels like, but it’ll manifest in a few different ways: You feel completely comfortable talking to them about anything, you show your true self without any hesitation, and they don’t push you into uncomfortable situations or positions.
Disclaimer: In the 1950s and 1960s, falling in love was often understood as the first step toward marriage and family life. Romance was closely tied to stability and social approval, with love seen as the gateway to building a household. A woman who fell in love was expected to marry young, while a man was expected to provide and protect. These gender roles were rarely questioned, and most stories about love—from films to advertisements—reinforced the idea that a woman’s fulfillment came through being chosen by the right man.
