by Ann E. Smith

Created on: January 15, 2009

Healthy relationships, whether they are marriages or friendships, are true blessings in this life. They may be few and far between, but a really good relationship can greatly enrich your life.

Two of the cornerstones for a healthy relationship are trust and communication. Only with both of these things in place can real and lasting intimacy exist.

* Trust.

What is trust, exactly? We use the word all of the time, but what does it really mean? First of all, trust is something that can exist in a variety of ways; however, no matter what form it takes, it must be built over time.

When you trust someone, then you know that you can share something deeply personal to them, and it will not leave their lips. With a person you trust, you feel safe safe that this person will not purposefully try to harm you or manipulate you.

Trust means less worry. You can depend on a person you trust to take care of your children, look after your pets, or give solid advice. You believe in this person wholeheartedly, and have a sense that this person will defend you when others attack your character.

Trust is a two-way street in that you certainly hope the people you trust also feel that way in return about you. In a nutshell, you trust those who you are willing to be vulnerable around, as you think they will still care about you in spite of some of your faults, mistakes and insecurities.

* Communication.

Communication is also vital for a healthy relationship. In fact, it is a primary way in which people connect with one another, whether it's through nonverbal or verbal communication.

Of course, you normally communicate in multiple ways. You may hug a person to reassure them, choose comforting words to lift their spirits, or laugh with them to build camaraderie.

In a solid relationship, communication plays a much larger role than small talk. It is through the sharing of information that a relationship is built, and it is through honest and intimate dialogue that it is solidified.

Once a relationship is formed, it will eventually reach a point when conflict arises, or when one party is hurt by another. It is when bumps occur on the road that communication really plays a significant role in a relationship. Otherwise, the whole thing may implode due to frustrations, misunderstandings, and anger.

With some relationships, communication is easy from the get go. But, with others, it takes more time for both parties to get comfortable and to adjust to one another's style of communication.

No matter how it happens, though, the ability to really share and listen when with another is absolutely necessary for a relationship to grow and flourish.

In conclusion, both trust and communication are essential parts of healthy relationships. It is these two things, in fact, that often distinguish a real relationship from an acquaintanceship or casual fling. Try to honor both things in your friendships, and it should take you far.

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