Have you ever wondered what the most important aspect of a relationship is? Is it love, respect, or something else? Most of the time, we believe that just because two people are in love is enough to make a relationship work, but this is not always the case.
Even the smallest of problems will cause the relationship to wither if it is based solely on love. A few other things are required for a relationship to succeed. To learn more about these, take a look at our list of essential elements in a relationship that can help your relationship succeed.
1. Trust
If love is what ignites a relationship, trust is what keeps it going. When there is trust, there is peace in the relationship. If the partners do not trust each other enough, they will spend the rest of their lives questioning each other’s every move. No one deserves a love that requires them to constantly monitor or worry about what their partner is up to behind their back.
It takes time to build trust. It is a goal that will improve over time. When you have nothing to hide from your partner, he or she has no reason to be suspicious of you when you are with others.
2. Loyalty
When you and your partner decide to have a monogamous relationship, loyalty becomes essential. But what exactly is loyalty?
It is the refusal to entertain unhealthy thoughts about a beautiful colleague; it is the refusal to flirt with an old flame. Love combined with loyalty is probably more important than love alone. Will you be able to believe your partner’s words if he or she cannot remain loyal but says, “I love you”?
Most likely not. Love is pure and long-lasting when it is combined with loyalty. Your partner may not be as attractive as your coworker or as soft-spoken as your former flame, but you chose them each time. And being loyal to the person you love is something you would not change for the rest of your life.
3. Happiness
Happiness is a necessary component of a long-term relationship.
You may not always be happy in a relationship, but the happy times must outnumber the sad ones.
Happiness is an essential component of a long-lasting relationship, so how do you achieve it? Is it your partner’s responsibility? No! Your happiness should be in your hands; you cannot expect your partner to keep it for you.
Both partners are responsible for the relationship’s health. You will be able to enjoy being in a relationship if you are happy and content with yourself. You can also bring positive energy into the relationship. So, always prioritize yourself and do things that make you happy. This will undoubtedly have an impact on your relationship.
4. Be respectful
In a relationship, respect is just as important as love. You love someone for who they are when you truly love them. And such love naturally breeds respect for your partner. A relationship is also a bond between two adults who have opposing opinions and points of view. Respect for one another is the foundation of any healthy relationship.
Respect is demonstrated by appreciating your partner for who they are, choosing your words carefully, maintaining boundaries, and refraining from doing things that could hurt your partner.
Remember that while love and attraction fade, mutual respect keeps the relationship going. Otherwise, the relationship is doomed to fail.
5. Emotional Support
A relationship can take you on an emotional roller coaster. But what makes it worthy is having your partner right next to you, holding your hand, through all that. That’s what you’d want in a loving relationship. When you receive good news, you want to share it with your partner. And when you’re feeling down and depressed, you want your partner to hold you and reassure you that everything will be fine.
Partners who are there for each other emotionally stick together as a team, dealing with whatever life throws at them. They create a safe place in their relationship where one partner can be vulnerable without the fear of being judged by the other. And, if needed, they are always willing to lend a shoulder to cry on for the partner.
6. Humor
Fun and excitement are essential for keeping things interesting.
Everyday life can cause your relationship to stagnate, so a little fun and excitement are essential for keeping things interesting. If you and your partner can laugh in the face of a problem, then dealing with it head-on is going to be less difficult.
Every now and then, let go of all your inhibitions, pack all your worries, and play like kids. Do something silly, such as watch a comedy movie or attend a stand-up comedy show. Humor is a way to keep things light, and those who can laugh together can live together in happiness. Laughter is one thing that can bring you and your partner closer to each other.
7. Make a concession
When you love someone, you will not think twice before giving up something you like to make them happy. To keep the love alive in a relationship, both partners must give and take. A healthy relationship is one in which you are willing to sacrifice some of your needs to accommodate those of your partner.
However, it must be mutual. If only one partner is constantly compromising, negativity may brew in the relationship and drive you apart.
8. Freedom/ Independence
Being in a relationship does not require you to lose yourself. Individual liberty is required for the relationship to thrive. A positive relationship will assist you in becoming the best version of yourself. It provides you with the necessary space to think, express yourself, and make life decisions.
Although you can involve your partner in your decisions, you are not required to allow them to make them for you. When you’re in a relationship, your life will change, but you don’t have to change who you are for your partner. Maintain your distinct personality to keep the relationship interesting.
9. Safety
In a relationship, feeling safe with your partner is essential.
No amount of love can compensate for abuse! If you do not feel safe in your relationship, no matter how much you love each other, the relationship will fail. A committed relationship works on vows to protect and love each other forever, so feeling safe in your partner’s arms is essential.
Abuse cannot always be stopped by love, especially when it is one partner’s way of expressing love to the other. Nobody deserves to be in a relationship where they are constantly afraid of being hurt.
10. Friendship
This is probably the most underappreciated, yet crucial, aspect of a relationship. Those couples who can be partners as well as best friends are blessed. One of the characteristics of a happy and long-lasting marriage is friendship. When you and your partner are friends, you will have common interests that will enrich your time together.
Friendship also aids in the development of an emotional connection between people, allowing them to feel safe enough to be more open with one another. It is also a quicker way to get to know each other. When you see your spouse as a friend, you will be able to treat each other fairly.