Seven Elements of a Healthy Relationship

A strong, healthy relationship is comprised of several elements. Just as specific ingredients are necessary to bake a delicious cake, there are certain elements or ingredients necessary to make a long-lasting, healthy relationship. Without the right ingredients a relationship can fall flat and become tasteless. If you sense that you or your partner is running a little low on one or another of these ingredients, talk about it sooner rather than later. These differences do not go away by ignoring them.

Seven important elements to a successful, healthy relationship include:

Enthusiasm: Relationships are about growing and exploring. Embraces life and your partner enthusiastically! A thriving relationship is one in which both partners continue to explore life together.

Attractiveness: This does not mean you have to look like a model! However, don't underestimate the natural beauty of a clean face and good grooming.

Communication: A successful long-term relationship relys on the ability to speak and listen about needs, hopes, desires, opinions in a honest, open manner. Listening is equally important. Listen actively to your partner, hear what he or she has to say!

Trust: Perhaps one of the most important elements of a healthy and lasting relationship is trust. Lying can foul a relationship faster than a rotten egg.

Affection: In a successful loving relationship, each partner must care for one another, physically and emotionally. You must put your partner's needs first.

Compatibility: A healthy relationship relies on compatibility. You and your partner must be well-suited for each other. This does not mean you have to be two peas in a pod but rather wholly engaged and needed. You can have very different views and hobbies, but your needs must mesh. Be yourself, but be the best person you can be.

Acceptance: Acceptance should and will grow with age and experience. Acceptance does not mean agreement, compliance, or submission but is respect and consideration for the other. Acceptance is understanding that no one is perfect and everyone is different. Don't think for one second that you can change your partner into something you want them to be. Acceptance is learning to comprise, making changes in ourselves that good for us and the relationship. If you can recognize and tolerate the differences between yourself and your partner, your relationship will mature and last a lifetime.