Whether asked by parents, friends or work colleagues, it is probably one of the most frequently-asked questions on the planet: 'So, is he/she THE one?' It is impossible to escape our natural human instinct to want to know whether the person we are currently dating is in fact our soul-mate.

However, we are constantly reminded by TV shows and rom-com movies that the 'right' person is staring us right in the face. Not sure if the person you're dating is the 'right' one, here are a few tell-tale signs that you might have met THE one...

1. They make you laugh

Everyone loves to laugh. It's an activity that supposedly helps us live longer and just generally feels good to do; therefore when it comes to a soul mate, it makes sense that we choose a life partner who can make us laugh at regular intervals. We're not saying that your partner needs to be a comedian, but it helps to share a similar sense of humour so that you can laugh together frequently and share mutual jokes.

Laughing and giggling with your partner increases overall happiness not just in your own life, but in the life you share together with friends and family and the activities you do together. Remember, laughter is also completely free of charge, therefore make sure you choose someone who can make you do it regularly.

2. They make you cry

The only problem with finding someone who makes you truly happy is that when you have an argument, it can really hurt. All healthy relationships have difficult periods but the real test of time is how you and your partner manage these situations and come out the other side. If you are able to talk openly and diplomatically to your partner and resolve an argument fairly swiftly, then chances are that you stand a good chance of remaining together in the future.

3. You can talk about anything

From discussing money issues to talking about your wildest dreams and sexual desires, it is important that you can talk to your partner about anything. This will ensure that you can understand each other on a very deep level and that you become each other's number one source of support. If your partner is the first person you call when you receive good news or bad, then it is pretty evident that you have found a good soul mate.

From discussing money issues to talking about your wildest dreams and sexual desires, it is important that you can talk to your partner about anything.

4. There is mutual trust

Trust is a quality that is built up over time, and which is essential for a healthy and stable partnership and friendship. If you find yourself constantly checking your partners' phone for evidence, or feel anxious when they are on a night out with friends, then chances are this isn't a relationship that is built on trust. Similarly, if you are committed to your partner but feel like they are permanently trying to catch you out or suggest that you are not being faithful to them, then it is time to re-think whether this is something that you can cope with long term.

5. You want to spend all your time with them

During the honeymoon stages of a relationship, most couples find themselves spending a lot of time in each other's company. When you meet your soul mate, this shouldn't really ever change. Even doing nothing feels good when you're with your partner and you are happy to just chill and spend time in each other's company, whilst doing very little. Although it is healthy to have time apart from one another to spend with family and friends, the sign of a real soul mate is when you feel a twinge in your heart every time they are not there.

6. They accept you (bad habits and all!)

Soul mates not only love hanging out together often, but they also have a deep respect for each other too. Because of this respect, they are happy to acknowledge the whole of their partner and not just all the good parts; meaning that they are more forgiving when it comes to accepting their flaws too. Mr/Mrs Right won't expect you to change nor would they want you to be someone that you are not. However, they will support your decisions and ideas, no matter how outlandish they might be.

7. You just know!

Whether you believe in love at first sight, or think that it takes time to truly fall in love with someone, it is likely that when you meet 'the one' you will just know that it is right. It's true that all relationships do take work and a degree of flexibility; however, being in love or feeling love towards your partner should come naturally and shouldn't be a chore. Don't put too much pressure on yourself or your new relationship deciding whether it will result in marriage, just try and go with the flow and soon you will know whether it's for keeps!