Relationships are magical, just like Disney. Unlike Disney, they have a few less than magical moments. Here are eight aspects I believe every relationship needs to be healthy and sucessful.
1. The Relationship
I know it sounds obvious, but make sure the relationship you’re in is something you want. Having a desire to stay with this person you have a relationship with, is key. If you want the relationship to last, you will find yourself giving more effort to make that happen.
2. Trust
This is a biggie. It can make or break a relationship. I know from experience that having your other half not fully trusting you is very hard. Trust is something that takes a while to build, but can be broken in one moment.
3. Genuine Love
Another one that sounds obvious, but not everyone gets it. You and your other half have to genuinely love each other, for all the good and the bad the other has to offer. Don’t be in the relationship for the gifts, the money or the attention, do it for the love you have for each other.
4. Growth
You and your other half will grow. Together or apart, that depends on the strength of your relationship and love, but we are always growing as people. Long relationships see this the most. Starting a relationship at 14 that is still going strong six years later is the perfect example. A girl at 14 years old has much different things to worry about than the girl six years down the road.
5. Laughter
You need to be able to laugh with your person. After stupid, petty fights, laugh.
6. Never go to Bed Angry
Tried and true. Going to bed angry with your other half usually does more harm than good. You may cool off, but nothing was solved. That super important issue that caused a huge fight is still there. It may be hard but try saying something nice or pointing out something specific the other said that you agree with. Something little like than, can let your partner know you’re ready to work things out and stop arguing.
7. Forgiveness
We all do stupid things. Forgetting a birthday or forgetting to pick up milk on the way home should’t be a deal breaker. Yeah, OK be petty and mad for a second then forgive your other half! Is that milk really what is going to break you two up?
8. End Game
I must stress how important it is to talk about the end game with your partner. Getting together with someone and hoping every day he/she proposes and getting let down at the end of each day is no fun. Dating someone who really wants kids when you aren’t sure is pretty huge, too. Talk about what you two want early because once you get invested in a relationship, it may be very hard to realize that the two of you really want different things in the end.
