Danny R. Gibson, LMFT: Particularly being able to communicate when things are challenging or difficult. Being able to stop, listen, speak, and respond appropriately. If you can’t respond appropriately at that time when you’re talking with your partner, being able to say, ‘I need a minute, I need a break before I can answer that question.’ Being able to communicate is essential for any relationship to be successful.
The second goal for maintaining a positive, good relationship or marriage is being able to have similar values and goals. They don’t necessarily have to be the exact same goals, but they should at least be an ongoing conversation about what those goals are going to be.
Particularly as you’re progressing through the relationship, checking in saying where you see yourself in the next 5 years of the relationship. Where I see myself in 10 years. Understand that we are on the same page as to how we see life, and we want to live our lives.
The third goal is that you love each other and that you respect each other. That you are committed to the relationship and those kind of go hand in hand. If you’re not in love with the person and don’t respect them, what kind of relationship are you going to have?
The commitment part is very important because if you had an argument you’re not going to just walk about because of one argument. You are committed to a relationship that you know you want to last and survive regardless of what may come up.