There are vital components in any relationship. Whether it be with a significant other, family member, or even just a friend. Here are some things that I strongly believe are essential to maintaining happy and healthy relationships in your life.

1. Communication

Communication is KEY. Seriously, it is one of the most important details that make virtuous, thriving relationship. Most conflict is caused by miscommunication or lack of communication. If you focus on your words & articulating how you feel, you’re bound to maintain a healthy bond.

2. Admitting When You’re Wrong

This can be difficult for some, especially me, but when you learn and recognize your imperfections, you end up being way ahead of everyone else who still has their heads up there... yeah. You get the point. Be humble!

3. Honesty

Truthfulness makes for an open and honest relationship. Whether it’s being honest with your friend about something you’ve been wanting to address, with your family about how you’ve felt recently, or with a boyfriend or girlfriend, telling the truth in a way that you feel will be received well is a great building block that leads to a joyful life.

4. Patience

It can be extremely difficult to step outside yourself and realize what you’re being patient for is going to have an effect in the long run, no matter what it might be. Patience is something that takes discipline and hard work to develop, but when it is focused on and diligently practiced, the pay off or reward is always worth it.

5. Faithfulness

Being faithful is committing to being with someone regardless of what circumstances might be having an affect in your relationship. Sometimes, being faithful to a friend or family member is done by just being there to pick them back up when they fall or encouraging them throughout the things they’re trying to tackle. Trust yourself to be that for someone.

6. Being Slow to Anger

So often, for me at least, this is the hardest thing to do. It’s so easy to focus on the negative or neglect solutions that are apparent, but being slow to anger and controlling your temper makes for you being in relationships where people don’t feel like they have to walk on egg shells around you, in fear that you may lash out.

7. Sacrifice

Sacrifice and honor go hand and hand. In any admirable, victorious battle, there are sacrifices that are made along the way. In your relationships, you have to be willing to sacrifice time and energy to ensure that you’re fulfilling all your duties and being the partner, son/daughter, or friend that you were created to be.

8. Being Understanding

There is so much to be said for an understanding individual. Whenever you’re in a place that allows others to express their opinions around you without the fear that you will victimize them or tear them down for what they believe or perceive is so important when seeking to maintain a healthy friendship.

9. Kindness

Those whom are kind possess a rare quality that is so hard to find in people these days. When we choose to be considerate in our kindness that we express to others, we choose to be better than the majority of the world that is selfish and conceded.

10. Respect

THIS IS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT QUALITIES IN A RELATIONSHIP! Having mutual respect has been something that people have struggled with for ages because ideas of superiority have always been so prevalent. In deciding that you are going to respect those around you and treat them how you’d like to be treated, you erase a ton of room that otherwise would have been filled with arguments and tough times.

The other night I was reading the thirteenth chapter in First Corinthians. Often times this chapter is often referred to as the Love chapter in the Bible. Not only does it perfectly outline what our earthly relationships should consist of, but it focuses on why love among yourself and others is worth fighting for. I’m sure you’ve noticed that the one thing that I didn’t include in this list was Love. All these attributes are what make up a passionate love that is worth sacrificing and devoting yourself for and to.