by Carol Gioia

Created on: December 15, 2010   Last Updated: December 17, 2010

Curiosity abounds regarding what constitutes a successful relationship. Many relationships wax and wane over the years; the highs experienced at the outset and the lows gradually increasing over time. However, some couples manage to maintain a high level of satisfaction in their relationship over the long haul and many wish to learn the secrets of their success.

Closely observing couples who obviously prefer one another’s company, even after long years together, one might discern some common qualities.

-  Friendship

Couples who sustain a high level of mutual satisfaction with their relationship genuinely like one another. They often have the same interests, likes and dislikes, so their time spent together is mutually gratifying. Lovers, who are also friends, not only establish common goals to strive toward together, but also support one another’s individual hopes and dreams.

-  Time

Making time to be together is a priority for couples in successful relationships. They don’t allow the distractions of a hectic lifestyle to interfere with their personal time together. there is mutual understanding that in order to maintain and thrive as a couple, they need to nurture their togetherness. They celebrate their good fortunes together and become one another’s haven from the storm when life is unkind.

-  Communication

Successful couples know how to communicate with skill. They can air differences without tearing one another down, voice opinions without being judgmental and treat one another with respect in all their verbal interactions. In successful relationships, both parties possess a generous spirit of compromise, balancing talking and listening in a healthy way.

-  Self-love

In successful relationships, the individuals love themselves as well as one another. They realize that it is not possible to give what you do not possess. By nurturing their own body, mind and spirit in a loving way, they are able to be their optimum best for one another. Persons involved in a successful relationship seldom abuse their bodies with unhealthy habits, such as smoking, excessive drinking and drugs. They follow a healthy diet, obtain restorative rest and exercise to maintain good health. By doing so, they display respect and love for themselves and one another.

-  Touch

Any casual observer might be able to witness one of the secrets of a successful relationship. The parties touch one another often, in affectionate gesture. Their touching might not be blatant, such as holding hands, but they might touch their partner’s arm when speaking, or pat the back when passing by in a crowded room. At home they are likely to kiss upon arrival or departing, hug upon hearing good or bad news. It is human nature to crave touching and couples in successful relationships seem to have an inherent understanding of the emotional benefits reaped by consistent touching.

Successful relationships don’t happen by accident, or due to some unique stroke of luck.   Successful relationships are the result of unconditional love, mutual respect, skillful communication, a generous amount of compromise and genuine affection.

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