What makes a good relationship?

[mojoe54]

What qualities make a couple more likely to have a successful long-term relationship? What makes your relationship work? Or,if you are single, what qualities do you look for in a long-term partner?

 

[WYSIWYG]

1. Honesty!
2. Respect!
3. Loving and caring for one another, whether it be good times or bad times.
4. Communication between each other.

 

[TaigaStar]

I'd say love, honesty, and acceptance of each other are the most important.

 

[sixthson]

I would say not only the things we have in common but how we differ from each other. We have a similar sense of humor as well as outlook on life. Family is very important to both of us. I also cherish how we are different. We have different cultures and backgrounds. In many ways, our personalities are different which adds balance to our relationship.

Also, a sense of playfulness adds so much to a healthy relationship. No matter how serious life becomes, we can and do still act like boys. We may have busy careers, busy raising our sons, but first and foremost, we are boyfriends.

I cannot imagine a great relationship that does not include respect and admiration for the other person. Honesty, open communication and a willingness to defer to the other and forgive, when necessary. Your life together started with just the two of you and this relationship will always be the hub of the rest of your life.

And you have to make lots and lots of love, which is not necessarily the same as having sex.

 

[CagedBird]

Simple: TRUST.

 

[Horschallen]

In addition to all above... open mindedness

 

[M4P]

Honesty, respect, trust, and an understanding that the relationship will evolve but there is a reason you fell in love and were meant to be together

 

[looseliam]

I need someone who will be a part of my life, not my life, if this makes sense.

I want someone who compliments me, but is not identical.

I require fidelity, honesty, and willing communication.

Most else is negotiable.

 

[UC3543]

What everyone else has said. But I'll tell you right now, if a guy doesn't make me laugh (And I don't mean by telling a lot of jokes) then I won't like him. he also needs to think I'm funny

 

[interesting]

Either somebody identical to myself, or exactly opposite so we can explore each other

 

[G-Lexington]

A friend of mine once said, "I used to be looking for the perfect guy. Now I'm just looking for someone whose baggage goes well with mine."

Lex

 

[TaigaStar]

A friend of mine once said, "I used to be looking for the perfect guy. Now I'm just looking for someone whose baggage goes well with mine."

Lex

Mildly cynical, but completely true.

 

[jockboy01]

well... what I think would make it work...

honesty, trust and self confidence. I think too many people who enter into a relationship without first knowing and respecting themselves end up doomed without even knowing it. How can you share what you don't know? Ironically, I haven't found a lot of guys with that.

 

[degrandm]

I would say not only the things we have in common but how we differ from each other. We have a similar sense of humor as well as outlook on life. Family is very important to both of us. I also cherish how we are different. We have different cultures and backgrounds. In many ways, our personalities are different which adds balance to our relationship.

Also, a sense of playfulness adds so much to a healthy relationship. No matter how serious life becomes, we can and do still act like boys. We may have busy careers, busy raising our sons, but first and foremost, we are boyfriends.

I cannot imagine a great relationship that does not include respect and admiration for the other person. Honesty, open communication and a willingness to defer to the other and forgive, when necessary. Your life together started with just the two of you and this relationship will always be the hub of the rest of your life.

And you have to make lots and lots of love, which is not necessarily the same as having sex.

i coodn`t say it better my self

 

[hummer7979]

I agree with just about everything said.

I would add that a good relationship also strongly has to do with how comfortable you and your partner are with identifying yourselves as being a part of couple rather than being individuals, which is what I see as the defining difference between a couple in a relationship and two close friends.

 

[SantaCBear]

Commitment


Shit happens in a relationship... Lust for each other wanes maybe even love. The longer you're together the little quirks in your partner you thought made him 'cute' in the beginning begin to irritate you. So on and so forth...

But you must be commited to each other to work through those bumps!

IMHO -- not much REAL commitment in relationships today ( gay/str8 ) first reason one has to leave they take it.

 

[hummer7979]

Commitment


Shit happens in a relationship... Lust for each other wanes maybe even love. The longer you're together the little quirks in your partner you thought made him 'cute' in the beginning begin to irritate you. So on and so forth...

But you must be commited to each other to work through those bumps!

IMHO -- not much REAL commitment in relationships today ( gay/str8 ) first reason one has to leave they take it.

Although I would agree that it's important to evaluate a relationship on a greater scope and not let little bumps end what could be a strong lasting relationship, it's also important to recognize when a relationship really is unstable. Perhaps it's a loving gesture to commit to one another, but the very foundation of the relationship should be honest and willing communication. After all, the name of the game should be to be in the best relationship you can create, not social entrapment.

 

[SantaCBear]

After all, the name of the game should be to be in the best relationship you can create, not social entrapment.

I agree... Thats why I said "bumps" -- No one should have to scale mountains.

 

[mojoe54]

I would say not only the things we have in common but how we differ from each other. We have a similar sense of humor as well as outlook on life. Family is very important to both of us. I also cherish how we are different. We have different cultures and backgrounds. In many ways, our personalities are different which adds balance to our relationship.

Also, a sense of playfulness adds so much to a healthy relationship. No matter how serious life becomes, we can and do still act like boys. We may have busy careers, busy raising our sons, but first and foremost, we are boyfriends.

I cannot imagine a great relationship that does not include respect and admiration for the other person. Honesty, open communication and a willingness to defer to the other and forgive, when necessary. Your life together started with just the two of you and this relationship will always be the hub of the rest of your life.

And you have to make lots and lots of love, which is not necessarily the same as having sex.

Thank you,sixthson, for a great post. That just about says it all. I think it's the delicate balance between how we are different and how we are the same that keeps our relationship growing. And it's important to respect our differences and enjoy our similarities. And of course the whole sex thing is part of the equation. I still think my bf is the sexiest man alive!!!

 

[Xpione]

Honesty. Selfless. Confidence.
Trust.
Communication.
Understanding of each other and situations.
Caring.
Respect.