The Required Pieces Of A Good Relationship

Marriage was once a widely respected institution. We would grow up and see our grandparents and parents' lives, often forming the belief we wanted the same. Somewhere in history, marriage became less prevalent in America than throughout history. More people are avoiding relationships than ever before. 

Why are so many choosing to stay single? Some don't see the point of tying their wagon to someone else's. Past mistakes burn out others. Relationships are hard and scary. Maybe people are tired of going through hell, or are they just disappointed? 

To have a healthy, long-lasting, and successful relationship with someone, you need all the pieces to the relationship puzzle. You don't need to be perfect, but it means understanding the requirements. 

Best Traits For Great Romantic Relationships

There is a lot to be said about attraction. Opposites attract is one of the oldest dating theories. But attraction isn't the only thing in a relationship that matters. If you're in a relationship or have come out of one, you'll recognize the traits you and your partner have or were short on during your time together. 

Romantic relationships start differently. They can bloom from a friendship or as firey attractions two people can't resist. Usually, it's a fiery attraction, especially when you're young! Past the attraction, what else is needed to make a relationship work? What traits are important for the relationships that are good to stay good? 

Missing Pieces? 

If these things aren't there, you won't likely be with your current partner for long. 

• Communications: While you might have noticed him/her across a crowded room and found them irresistible, eventually all the heat and sex become less exciting and more of a burden. It happens to someone in the relationship; if you and your partner can't communicate well you have real problems. But communications can be worked on. You can start by practicing active listening, watching your tone, and being mindful of nonverbal communication. These are the big three in romantic relationships. Put the electronic devices away and spend some time with each other. Get comfortable and remember you do, or did, love this person. 
• Loyalty: Some people say if you want loyalty, get a dog! Others aren't inclined to disagree. But, loyalty is a key ingredient in long-term, committed relationships. If you're wondering if he/she is loyal to you, then one of two things are occurring. You're suffering insecurities about the relationship or seeing small things indicative of a disloyal person. As soon as you experience the feeling that your partner is disloyal it's crucial to discuss it. The fear and insecurity will continue to grow. Admit that you could be wrong, but open up to your partner and ask them to understand how much you need to get it out. 
• Being Uplifting: Couples come together for a reason. At weddings, they used to say for better or worse. Imagine having someone who'll be there through the ups and downs. What if you're down? When you're down, you need your partner to be uplifting. The soft hand on your shoulder, the hug when you need it, or those words of support, can bring you or your partner out of a funk. If you can't depend on your partner to be uplifting, reassuring, and comforting during the trying or hard times, then you might be with the wrong person. 
• Empathy: Entering into a long-term relationship and achieving success requires the ability to have empathy for your partner. When two separate lives come together, you're both on a journey of your own as well as one that's shared. A military wife may never understand what her husband's been through. But by showing empathy, and trying to recognize the pain he may be carrying, she's doing a lot to help. 
• Forgiveness: You've just entered into a marriage or maybe in year three of a relationship. The one thing you better be ready for, if you're not already, is the need to forgive. You didn't marry the new Japanese Sex Robot. You married a person, and with that, you took all their flawed, human weaknesses along with them. Marriage once had one of the most powerful promises tied to it. It was the most sacred covenant in many people's eyes. It was meant to be, "til death we do part." For that beautiful sentiment to work, forgiveness becomes key. 

Takeaways

Is it alright to still believe in the possibility of love? Not just love, but one that lasts forever? It is certainly a nice thought. But people are giving up on love more and more. 

Relationships aren't hard to figure out. They require commitment and that's the hard part, or so it would seem. People no longer want to fight as hard for the things they committed to. When something important is missing something, why people aren't more protective of that love is a sad mystery. Relationships are built, and when they're damaged you can hunt for the missing pieces.  

What else do you think is crucial to having a working, loving, long-term relationship? Drop a note in the comments and let us know. And if you liked the article, be sure to follow and subscribe so you'll see when I publish again.