I had several relationships before meeting the one person that truly makes me the happiest. I thought I was an adult and knew how to be a great girlfriend. Meeting someone that I have a connection with has taught me nothing I had experienced before was real.

This love feels different than my other relationships. When you are in a good relationship, you learn things. You act differently. You think as part of a team, not as an individual making your way through the world. You will be more understanding and be accepting of your partner, instead of getting frustrated with them like you probably have in your past relationships.

1. Misunderstandings are inevitable.

Misunderstandings are going to happen, If you take your partner's words one way, then learn they meant something totally different. Do not get upset with them. Let it go. Bringing it up would only destroy the relationship and cause communication problems later.

Sometimes what you say or do will be taken the wrong way and you will get frustrated that your partner does not understand, Take a step back and realize that it is not a big deal. Misunderstandings are meant to be swept under the rug because they are so minor. It will only become a problem if you let them grow bigger and mean more in the scope of your relationship.

2. Learn to trust them.

You have to trust your partner. Why would you share your life with someone when you think they are doing something wrong every time you turn your back? If you do not trust your partner to be faithful, honest, caring, or anything else, then you are not in a good relationship. The best relationships begin with a deep trust and even if problems come up, the trust is strong enough to keep you together.

3. Encourage growth and change.

In a good relationship, both partners are encouraged to grow and change. You have one life to live and you should explore it to the fullest. If you want to quit your job and go back to school, your partner should support you. if you want to try something new or go back to something old, you should find support in your relationship. Encourage your partner to explore hobbies and interests and meet new people.

4. Compromising does not mean you are weak.

Compromising does not mean "giving in." It does not mean that you lost the fight. In fact, it is the opposite. Do you know how hard it is to compromise sometimes? You want your way because it sounds right and makes sense to you. Your partner is way off base with their suggestions.

Take a step back and look at the argument diplomatically. What is the logical conclusion? If your partner is right, do not be afraid to say so. Accept their way or modify both of your solutions to be half and half. The important thing is not getting it your way, it is staying in your relationship and helping it grow. Compromising will definitely help your relationship grow.

5. Admit your weaknesses.

We are all human and we all have flaws. It is okay to let these show. In fact, to have a stable relationship, you need to let your weaknesses be known. Your partner will be more sensitive to things that bother you and you can help build you up in areas where you need some help.

6. Sometimes you can only accept things, not fix them.

People have baggage. You have some and your partner has some. Can you go back and erase them? Nope, you are stuck with it and you will have to learn to deal with it. Some things get easier to get over than others, but the reality is that sometimes you cannot fix things. You cannot make problems go away. You have to accept them and get over them and move on or else your relationship will crumble.

7. Never expect anything.

Do not expect your partner to read your mind, or to bring your breakfast in bed, or to offer to wash the dishes. It is not going to happen. You cannot expect anything from anyone, you have to make it known, communicate. Make sure your partner knows what you expect from the relationship, as well as your opinions on a wide variety of issues. This will help them act considerately towards you.

8. Show your feelings.

The worst thing that you can do in a relationship is play games. Do not tease your partner, do not "reward" good deeds with love and affection. You have to make sure that your partner always feels loved. You can be happy with them or be mad at them but it does not matter, they just need to feel loved. They need to know their feelings in the moment as well, do not get me wrong. Make sure you are showing your feelings in a way that they would not be misunderstood.