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Keys to a successful relationship

Every relationship is different, but no matter what kind of relationship you're in, it requires work, sacrifice, forgiveness and dedication. Relationships are tough, everyone knows that, but what makes some relationships successful and others crumble? Here are a few keys that will help any relationship, dating or marriage, grow and stay healthy for years.

1. Love looks past faults and shortcomings
No one is perfect, no one. Even when you find the person you want to spend your whole life with, they won't be perfect. They'll be perfect for you, but they'll never be perfect. Instead of harping on annoying habits and insignificant faults, be thankful. Otherwise, small things grow into ridiculous fights. Thankfulness becomes a habit. Instead of nitpicking about the way he always forgets to put to toilet seat down, think of how he always takes out the trash and puts up with your best friend.

2. Love says "I'm sorry"
It takes two to argue, so every time you have a disagreement make sure it ends with a heartfelt apology. Make sure to tell him why you're sorry, why you made the decisions or comments did, and what you'll do in the future. Hopefully, your apology will be met with acceptance and a reciprocal apology. Remember, forgiveness means you forget the fault as well. If he or she apologized for snapping at you in front of their parents, and you accepted the apology, then you can never bring it up again or hold them accountable for it. Remember that whole "no record of wrongs" thing? If you don't have a record, how can you bring it up again?

3. Love is honest
Honest, and honest about everything. Be honest about when you're mad and what you're thinking. It's impossible to completely love someone if you don't know them fully, and you can't know someone fully if you don't know their heart, preferences, goals and the name of their second-grade crush. It's just as important to tell them what bothers you as it is to tell them you love them (otherwise things just build up). If you can't be honest with your partner, who can you be honest with?

4. Love says "I love you"
Love says "I love you" every day, every night and in between. You can never remind someone that they're loved enough. And when you say it, mean it. If it feels routine, make they know you're not just saying it because that's what you normally say when you get off the phone. Tell them you love them and tell them why you love them. If you know you're loved, everything else falls into place much easier acceptance, forgiveness, honestly.

Learn more about this author, A. South.
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