We're always looking for the secret formula to a successful relationship. In reality, there is none. But here are a few things to look out for if you're not so sure of the health of your past, present or future relationships.

1. They are No. 1

Your significant other doesn't have to fit into the category of your dream guy or dream girl, but they should have enough positive qualities to affirm that you wouldn't rather be with anyone else. Whether it's the care they give you, the way they accept your flaws, their humor, their smarts, or anything in between, some of these are qualities that you actually have to learn to value. Work to understand the real value in everything they hold, or you could easily learn the hard way once you've moved on to someone else.

2. Independence

It's fun spending sleepless nights with someone you love... But not if it earns you a failing grade. Granted, this is a cliche, but it doesn't only apply to doing well in school. You shouldn't be throwing hobbies away left and right in dedication to your significant other. After all, what would you turn to when they're not around, or God forbid, out of your life completely? While a relationship is an immense positive presence to have in your life, it should allow the other positives in your life to carry on as usual. You want to remain the best version of yourself in all aspects of your life, or insecurity and instability can infiltrate your relationship with a quickness.

3. Attention

Your significant other should have your full attention at all times... At least when you're together. Giving your partner your undivided attention is the one surefire way to develop an intense level of trust and connectedness. It's a powerful part of the human experience that we tend to overlook. In giving someone your full, undivided attention, you are in a way submitting to them and displaying vulnerability. Submission and vulnerability are often perceived as major negatives because of the way some relationships are handled so carelessly anymore. Nevertheless, they are the only tools you have to build and maintain the high level of connection that you're looking for.

4. You Can Tell Them Just About Anything

OK, so you don't have to tell them everything. But you certainly shouldn't find yourself struggling to tell your partner things that you can share with others with ease. Sharing stories, fears, emotions, etc. with your significant other is important. It all goes back to the submission and vulnerability thing I just talked about... Get it? Got it? Good.

5. They Understand You

"Understanding" has multiple meanings. There's "comprehension" and then there's "acceptance." Both, of course are important in a relationship. Let me break it down a bit more.

Your partner should understand you better than the average person. They should put enough thought into you to figure you out in ways that most others wouldn't. Whether that's when you're sad or in an argument, or maybe just when they're trying to plan a surprise that you'll love.

But also, even in the cases where they don't understand you, in the instances where most people would say "let's just agree to disagree," they are understanding, or accepting, of your perspective or emotions, even if they don't see them in the same light that you do.

6. You're Never Left Wondering Where You Stand

Maybe you just had a bad day where you were left doubting yourself more than normal. Maybe you just had a big argument with your partner. Or perhaps even there are other people trying to steal them from you. In these instances it is particularly crucial that much in the same way that you know they're your number one, you're never left wondering if the reverse is true. And the two of you communicate that to each other at all of the appropriate times.

7. You Give The Best Advice

Your friends tell you that you always know the right thing to say when giving out relationship advice. Really, this is just an added bonus. If you're quiet or prefer to stay out of other people's business entirely, maybe you're not much of an advice-giver. But when the time comes to hand out some wisdom, you've got plenty handy from your own personal experiences.