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Trying to find a single answer to the question "Why do relationships fail?" is about as easy as finding a specific snowflake in a blizzard, a particular grain of sand in the Sahara desert, or evidence that Paris Hilton has any discernible talent.

In other words, it's not easy at all.

Why? Because every relationship is built upon a different dynamic, involving two unique personalities.

Even the most obvious of reasons, such as "he/she cheated," is most likely just a symptom of the problems that plagued the relationship, rather than the actual problem itself.

Perhaps we shouldn't be asking the question "Why do relationships fail?" at all. Instead, we should be asking, "Why don't relationships succeed?"

Why change the question?

While the dynamics of a breakup can widely vary, nearly all successful relationships share many of the same attributes. If a relationship is missing some of these attributes, it's not likely to be successful in the first place.

LOVE: This seems like an obvious place to begin. Are you really in love? Can you say "I love you" without reservations or regret? Do you feel like your partner means it when he/she says it to you? Does your love extend solely beyond the physical aspects of attraction? (That is, are you sure you're not just "in lust"?)

RESPECT: A successful relationship can't exist without it. Do you respect your partner? Do you feel that respect reciprocated?

TEAMWORK: Do you feel like you're truly in a partnership? Or is one of you carrying a much greater share of the load, both physically and emotionally? If you live together, are you each taking on your fair share of the household chores? If you have children, are you both active participants in their upbringing? Do you honestly feel like you've got common goals that you're working toward together?

TRUST: Another relationship essential. Are you constantly in fear that your partner is betraying you? Sometimes it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy, because lack of trust can drive a wedge between any couple. Obviously, it would be foolish to remain oblivious to certain signs, but if you love somebody, you must be willing to give the benefit of the doubt. You must be willing to trust.

CHEMISTRY: Quite simply, some relationships just weren't meant to be. Maybe the two personalities involved are too different. Maybe they're too similar. Chemistry is an elusive, yet essential part of every successful relationship. Because of the way relationships evolve, it may take a while to find that you've

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