The following is what I think makes a relationship work. I was with the same partner for over forty-five years. This information is purely touching the surface and is based on what worked for me and others that I spoke with who also where in long-term relationships that attracted thirty years or longer.
No one ever said it would be easy to make a relationship work. It takes two people and it is a full-time job. Do not let anyone tell you otherwise. A relationship can not be one- sided. Right out the gate trust is a key factor in any relationship, without it there is no relationship. You both have to be 100% committed and be willing to make sacrifices and compromises. Never be afraid to tell your partner how you feel. If something is bothering you talk it out, you may not like the out come but that is where compromise can come into the picture.
When making decisions to do something always take into consideration how it will affect your partner and relationship. You need to remember when in a relationship that it is not always just about you. Your actions can affect your partner just as much as they affect you.
Communication! Communication! Communication, always keep it open and going never let it die! Communication skills to not happen overnight. It takes a lot of hard work on both partners end and it continues through your entire relationship.
Never ever lie, it is better to tell the truth and take what happens and work it out because nine out of ten times if you do lie it will come back and bite you in the ass and your trust goes right out the window. Remember without trust there really is no relationship.
Never act like you are better than your partner, you may be better educated or be better off financially but but do not ever flaunt it. You need to remember you are a couple not just two individuals. Have respect for one another and always respect each others privacy. Never plaster your disagreements or spats on social media. Do not post photo's that are embarrassing. Once it is out there, it is out there forever and you can not take it back.
When you get into a fight and you will (do not believe someone when they tell you that they never fight everyone does one time or another) do not go running to family members and tell them all the details. The reason I am telling you this is because you will makeup and everything will be fine, however, your family members will remember every word you said about your partner and every time they see your partner they are going to remember what you said. So keep your family members out of the personal parts of your relationship. Over time if you continue running to family members their attitude towards your partner is going to change. If they had a good relationship they no longer will.
One Major thing to remember is in order for your relationship to thrive you have to constantly keep working on it. You need to keep it fresh and exciting.
