All Great Relationships Have These 7 Things In Common
1. Trust.
Trust is a foundation of great relationships. It is something that takes time to build and is hard to regain once it’s lost. If there is no trust, relationships of every kind will fail. You know you trust each other when you feel safe, comfortable, open, close. It’s reflected in your willingness to listen to the tough stuff—and learn from it.
2. Openness.
In a healthy relationship, you express yourselves openly and honestly. No topic is off limits. You and your partner feel heard. You engage in honest and respectful conversations that allow you to understand one another and build a genuine connection. When you have problems and concerns, you share them directly and not with other people. You never complain or criticize behind each other’s backs.
3. Respect.
Both parties recognize that no one is perfect. You accept each other the way you are. Too often we focus on what we expect or hope people will be, and while it’s important to recognize how people can grow or learn, holding onto who you expect someone to become will inevitably lead to disappointment and frustration.
4. Teamwork.
If you want to make the relationships in your life work, you and the other person both have to do your part—because it takes two to tango. You two make decisions together and listen to each other’s concerns and preferences. You bring your ideas and opinions together and remain open minded to one another’s point of view. You work with mutual trust and respect to achieve what you each need.
5. Joy.
Healthy relationships are energized by laughter and fun. You can’t expect anyone to be happy every minute of every day, but good relationships uplift our spirits and make us feel loved and accepted. Most people are capable of frustrating or annoying us at times, but what matters is the ability to move past petty disagreements and look for reasons to enjoy each other’s company.
6. Kindness.
You treat each other with care, consideration and compassion. You are friendly and speak with warmth and consideration. You are generous toward each other. When we choose to invest in the needs of others, the impact is significant.
7. Forgiveness.
You know you have a great relationship when you are able to express how you feel and let it go. You are able to forgive shortcoming and failings. You support one another. You learn from the experiences you face, and you move on.
