by ib

Created on: November 16, 2009   Last Updated: November 18, 2009

How do you know if the person you're with is "the one?" In a modern society when 50% of marriages end in divorce how can you be sure that this individual is the person you'll be with until you die? The answer is you don't know; all you have is the present. But there usually are some poignant characteristics for determining whether you are more likely to survive life together and it all comes down to five major ingredients.

Firstly, you need to accept that relationships are never perfect. Why do you think fairy tales never go past the chapter of courting and the finding of love? It's because in the real lifelong story you are never going to be in constant honeymoon mode with your partner. There are going to be days where neither of you see eye to eye, but what can help you define the longevity of your relationship is whether you both accept this fact. Acceptance of your partner is crucial - they are in their own right another individual separate from you and they are going to want and do things that you may not personally like or have any interest in, but if you can accept that and support each other's individuality then you're more likely to have a longer relationship. So if you can accept your partner as they are and who they will become and support them as they support you, then you are more likely to succeed at a life-long relationship.

Secondly, you need to trust your significant other blindly. This means that you are comfortable and confident in your relationship. Greater trust allows for freedom with security. If you are constantly paranoid that other singles are scoping your partner out and you don't have any confidence in your relationship or self then you are not going to last for life because you will always be shrouded in doubt and desperation. No one likes to feel trapped, guilty or depended upon for emotional stability and a lack of trust is draining, mentally damaging and causes emotional rifts.

Thirdly, ask have you talked in a while? Does your partner constantly challenge you to be a better person and keep you interested in them? Communication is vital to a lifelong relationship and the ability to mentally stimulate each other makes for a constantly evolving set of memories. It is also the mark of a long relationship when you can just be with each other without saying a single thing and feel completely at ease without filling in the gaps. This means that you enjoy each other's company and feel relaxed with each other. The ability to communicate

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