Given that we are all individuals with our own thoughts and ideas about the world and the universe, it should come as no surprise to learn that what makes a good relationship means different things to different people. What everyone is certain about is that having a good relationship makes life worth living, they influence any big decisions that we make and they keep us happy. So, what makes a good relationship.
You do not just need to love your partner, you need to be best friends with them, they need to be someone that you can laugh with, yell at or cry with. They are someone who you can share yourselves with, let them get under your skin into the areas where you can be hurt. If your partner does not know who you are then how can the help, support and nurture you, how can you if you do not know your partner.
Building the bond of friendship is made easier when you share interests with each other and have reasonably similar viewpoints. It does not matter what is happening in your lives, you have to spend quality time together, even if it is just going for a walk or curled up together in front of the T.V, it draws you closer to each other, and you might even enjoy yourselves. You do not have to spend every waking moment with your partner, in fact it is healthy to have your own circle of friends and interests, apart from something to talk about it bring fresh experiences and ideas to the relationship.
What makes a good relationship is communication. Without communication you have nothing, problems could creep in, but because you are not talking they are never dealt with and eventually the relationship collapses. Communication touches on just about every part of a relationship, so talk, put the world to rights, talk about your hopes and dreams, what the future will be. We all have our individual wants, needs and expectations from a relationship. Listen to what your partner says to you, if you cannot understand what they are trying to say then get them to clarify it. Be open and honest with your partner and they will respond to you.
Have reasonable expectations of what to expect from the relationship. The real world is not a Hollywood romance so do not try and change your partner or relationship into some kind of stylised ideal. You were drawn to you partner not only because of how they looked but because you found qualities that endeared them to you, be happy with who you have. I would say that if they do have any personal habits that drive you nuts then talk to them about it, they might not even have realised, they might even comment on some of your habits. Be happy with who you are with and instead of focusing on negatives focus on positives, such as what drew you together in the first place.
What makes a good relationship is two people who have equal standing, equal opportunities within the relationship and an equal responsibility and desire to make it work. You have to have commitment, you two are and always will be the most important part of the relationship so look after yourselves and each other. You accept your partner for who they are, warts and all, you are with them because you want to be with them. Learn all your partners needs in the relationship and be flexible as their needs and yours change over time. Do what you can to help and support, be spontaneous, be serious, be silly, be sad, be together.
