What makes a relationship successful?

Tropez

I suppose it has helped that my partner and I have similar personalities; we both value independence, we have a similar, dark sense of humour, we share similar values and neither of us are inclined to argue with each other over trivial or meaningless things. We allow each other the space to live the life we both want to but make the time to live enough of our lives together and our similar personalities allow us to enjoy our time together.

While I know that I could tell her anything, she doesn't push me when I don't feel comfortable about talking about something. We respect each other's boundaries. We talk, a lot, about all sorts of things. And I suppose that we've spent enough time forcibly apart that we know that we want to be together.

Also, she always snuggles up to me at night, I like that

All that said though, we have only been together for around 7 years.

kerri_dfw

My partner is my best friend and sometimes we are friends, sometimes we are lovers. We've always kept communication as the key part of our relationship, when that starts to breakdown then so do we. I agree with others though, respect, trust, communication and appreciation are key to a successful relationship.

Jojo_the_Tightfisted

Not putting each other on a pedestal; accepting they have faults, flaws and quirks and loving them with all those things included.

No faster way of dissolving a relationship than expecting perfection and then being enraged when they fail to match up to that ideal.

Prothet_of_Doom

Netwizard wrote: »

That, and the ability to compromise in certain situations

I'll go further, it's both of you taking the other person's side in an arguement. :j

Her: You're Right
Him: I disagree, you are right.
Her: NO. I won't have it, you are definately right
him: Look don't make me angry, you have got the only valid oppinion here.

Then look for compromise.

victory

Tropez wrote: »

I suppose it has helped that my partner and I have similar personalities; we both value independence, we have a similar, dark sense of humour, we share similar values and neither of us are inclined to argue with each other over trivial or meaningless things. We allow each other the space to live the life we both want to but make the time to live enough of our lives together and our similar personalities allow us to enjoy our time together.

While I know that I could tell her anything, she doesn't push me when I don't feel comfortable about talking about something. We respect each other's boundaries. We talk, a lot, about all sorts of things. And I suppose that we've spent enough time forcibly apart that we know that we want to be together.

Also, she always snuggles up to me at night, I like that

All that said though, we have only been together for around 7 years.

I do so like your posts, you always speak so full of love for her:D

Hermia

I agree with what a lot of the other suggestions. I would also say that it's essential that the relationship allows both people to grow as people and achieve their dreams. I think any relationship that diminishes someone is doomed. Sadly, I have friends who are sad shadows of their former self since marrying.

Personally I need SPACE. The thought of having to spend every non-work moment with one person brings me out in a rash! Mind you, I know people who think this is a perfect relationship.

duchy

My parents had a fantastic marriage -that's not to say they didn't fight like cat and dog once in a while but they had genuine respect and liking for each other and my Dad genuinely felt my Mum was the most wonderful woman in the world and made no secret of the fact he thought so -My mum was more reserved but loved him through hard times financially, family opposition to their mixed (religion) marriage, my brother been born with what the doctors felt would be a lifelong disability (they were wrong) . My Mum was the "business head" in the family but my Dad never failed to make her feel cherished and loved and respected.

They both had their strengths and their weaknesses but they complimented each other and as a team were stronger. They were true partners in everything - it's one of the reason I get so cross when people use the word "partner" to describe a short term boyfriend or girlfriend -I grew up in a home with parents who respected each others differences but had a true partnership in every sense of the word and complete trust in each other.

sacha28

Knowing that my partner will always look out for me.

To me it's the small things. Like we are both terrified of spiders but the other night he spent an hour in our front room trying to catch one the size of my hand!! I told him to give up but he said he couldn't because he knew I wouldn't be able to settle until I knew it had gone. He caught it, nearly peeing his pants in the process as he was so scared!!!

And the fact he tells me I look beautiful even though I know he's lying because I've just woken up, have panda eyes and haven't even brushed my hair/teeth!!

gt568

The ability to tune out the white noise that is her whining and nagging....:D:p

SuzieSue

As others have said, I think the reason my current relationship works (it has only been 8 years, but is longer than my previous relationships) is that we really like each other as friends and I would rather spend time with him than anyone else I can think of.