What makes a relationship successful?

Vicky123

Respect is the cornerstone of a relationship. Most of the relationship threads seem to have that one thing in common. If someone cheats they are lacking respect, unfair sharing of chores is a lack of respect, not acknowledging the others needs is lack of respect and show me the respectful abuser.

Cookiee

nearly 18 yrs for us and as he was my first partner in every sense of the word. We obviously trust, respect and depend on each other but it has also evolved into more.

We make each other laugh and know when each other just need some space. We know when we need "quiet time" and can sit and chill without having to fill in the void with chatter. Knowing that whilst we have tiffs, we love each other and it ends with a kiss before bed x

My OH has had several injuries and whilst it makes life that more harder, it also has make us stronger as a couple. x

victory

You definetly have to like each other first to be in a long standing relationship, like and friendship, love and caring, putting them before yourself, trust, compromise, understanding, knowing what is worth the fight and what is just plain silly and will just pass...

Honesty, the ability to share, talk to each other about everything and anything, respect, fancying them, wanting to spend all your time with them, having a laugh, looking out for each other and love, lots of love and patience:D

marisco_2

I think succesful relationships are where each person feels completely loved and accepted for who they are, and they dont hide any aspect of themselves from their partner. To do this requires openness and honesty and this builds solid trust. I agree with others that good communication, the ability to compromise and showing respect are also vital elements. But I am divorced, so what do I know!

Dunroamin

thorsoak wrote: »

OK - so you are most definitely NOT a Keeper!:beer:

Going by previous posts, not even a Starter!

lostinrates

itsanne wrote: »

Coming up to 40 years.

I think the length of the relation ship is only one factor. The happiness of it another. My grandparents, for example, were married a long time, but I don't think they were ever that happy.

Not as thorsoak writes about her relationship, for example.

Chaserofdreams

I married my hubby at age 17, he was 21. This year we will celebrate 25 years of marriage. :beer:

It hasn't been plain sailing - far from it at times!! But the underlying love and respect that we have for each other has pulled us through the bad times. The important point being we both wanted to get through those bad times together. In my opinion that is the one thing that has kept us together - it is what we have wanted. We know that we can get through the bad stuff and come out on the other side, we've grown together and still enjoy each others company (most of the time :rotfl:)

On the days we get on each others nerves we take some time apart. We are opposites in almost every way and that can make for some interesting conversations......

I'm glad we kept going, I hope we have many more years of ups and downs - I'm sure we will!! Long term relationships aren't for everyone but they are very fulfilling when they work.

aileth

lostinrates wrote: »

I think the length of the relation ship is only one factor. The happiness of it another. My grandparents, for example, were married a long time, but I don't think they were ever that happy.

Not as thorsoak writes about her relationship, for example.

My parents have been married for about 37 and I would say neither have been happy for a very long time. I get the impression they stay together because neither can be bothered finding another partner or having to go solo

itsanne

lostinrates wrote: »

I think the length of the relation ship is only one factor. The happiness of it another. My grandparents, for example, were married a long time, but I don't think they were ever that happy.

Not as thorsoak writes about her relationship, for example.

Yes, but the thread is about successful relationships. I wouldn't count an unhappy or not that happy as successful.

aileth

itsanne wrote: »

Yes, but the thread is about successful relationships. I wouldn't count an unhappy or not that happy as successful.

I'd say patience, tolerance and understanding