Don’t compromise too much of yourself. I think that’s the biggest mistake I see with people who “force relationships” and wind up unhappy in the long run.

It’s a mix between compromising their values (despite it feeling unnatural to do so and intuition warning them ahead of time) and fail long prey to the sink costs fallacy.

In my opinion, based on my own experiences and what I’ve observed of others’, you should feel natural and comfortable “being yourself” in a close romantic relationship, for it to work. You shouldn’t have to second guess your partner’s motives and there should be a direct line of communication between you. You should support each other and build each other up and have the same priorities and values.

Just my two cents, not that you asked ;)