3 Qualities That Every Successful Long-Term Relationship Has
Start writing a post
Dating

Respect, Trust And Communication Are The Keys To Healthy, Long-Lasting Relationships

If your partner is unwilling to listen to you about the problem or unwilling to come to some solution, that is a red flag.

216
Woman and man holding hands and looking into each other's eyes

Every relationship is different. That's a given. Each individual in a relationship requires different things, and the two try to find an equal balance. While one person's relationship may consist of messing around and being silly most of the time, another person's relationship may be extremely protective and lovey-dovey. Most people seem to have a balance of both. But regardless of what extreme your relationship falls on, there are three qualities every single relationship should have: respect, trust, and communication.

Quality 1: Respect

When you are in a relationship with someone, there are definitely similarities between the two of you. There are activities you two enjoy doing together and there are opinions that you both share. But also, at the same time, there are many things that you two may disagree on. And, that is completely normal. Just because you are in a relationship with someone doesn't mean you have to agree on everything. (In fact, that is kind of unhealthy because to an extent, you are losing your individualism.) However, you need to respect the differences between the two of you. Differences in hobbies, beliefs, goals, preferences, personalities, and everything else need to be respected.

You should listen to your partner when they are telling you about something that you do not necessarily have an interest in. You should encourage them to follow their goals and hobbies, even if they do not align with yours. But, if they do collide with yours, then you should have a conversation with them and come up with a compromise. You should always value their feelings. In addition, you need to respect the space between the two of you. When you're in love, you want to spend all the time together and make tons of memories. But, it is just as important to spend time away from each other. This space gives you time to reflect on yourself and the relationship. It gives you time to spend with your friends and family. I know most of these things seem so obvious and are common sense, but many people forget about actually applying them in their relationship.

Quality 2: Trust

Along with respect, trust is fundamental to build a strong foundation for any relationship. But, the trust also has to continue throughout the years. A relationship is a commitment that you and your partner need to set the guidelines for and those guidelines need to be followed throughout the years.

There are two parts to trust: being trustworthy and trusting your partner.

1. Being trustworthy

When you get into a relationship with someone, there are a few things they automatically expect from you, such as your attention, time, and loyalty. Your partner wants to be the special one in your life, just as much as you do in their life. And, it is your responsibility to make them feel that way. There are many things you could do, such as planning a romantic dinner or simply just making time for them in your busy schedule. But for all those plans to be successful, you need to gain the trust of your partner, and through your actions and words, you need to maintain that trust. Being trustworthy consists of, but is not limited to: not flirting with other people, telling your partner the truth regardless of the consequences, and keeping their secrets to yourself.

2. Trusting your partner

Like most things in the world, trust also works both ways. You need to allow space between the two of you, and during that time, you should be able to breathe freely without having any negative thoughts about what your partner is doing. You have to trust their words. For example, if your partner tells you that they are busy and cannot talk to you at the moment, you have to believe them and understand that they will come back to talk to you as soon as they can. Also, in relationships, insecurities and jealousy are common. When you care so much about a person, there might be factors that may make you worry. But, you have to trust your partner and their loyalty towards you. If you do have any questions or wandering thoughts, don't just assume and/or accuse. Go have a conversation with your partner about it.

Quality 3: Communication

Lastly, communication leads to a very healthy relationship. You have to communicate about everything, from the things you love about each other to the things that bother you the most. Communicating the good, happy things is usually very easy. You tell them how they make you happy, what they did to make you smile so much, and all the good stuff. But communicating the problems and differences is usually hard for most people. There's always a fear deep down in your heart. What if, just what if, this is it and we can't work things out. I understand that. However, it is important to talk it all out before things start to build up and you explode on them one day. When things build up, the small things that are bothering you start to become more substantial, and an even bigger fight occurs. It is just healthier to sit down and talk about the thing that is upsetting you and find some kind of solution which would work for the both of you. It will make your relationship even stronger. Also, if your partner is unwilling to listen to you about the problem or unwilling to come to some solution, that is a red flag.

* * *

Respecting each other for your similarities and differences, maintaining trust throughout the years, and communicating about everything will lead to a healthy, long-lasting relationship.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

54772
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

35243
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

957448
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

183942
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments