A relationship thrives on the inputs, contributions and investments both parties concerned and involved make. This readily brings to the forefront the fact that the death or survival of any relationship is a JOINT EFFORT by the two lovers. 1. You must respect, honour and esteem each other anytime, anyplace and anywhere (or any occasion). Your spouse’s feelings, opinions, criticisms, views, comments, reservations, likes and dislikes, fears and agitations, enthusiasm, outlook to life in particular and in general matters and must be acknowledged and taken into consideration. Inability to control your temper and equally bridle your tongue is a personal and social stigma. Running each other down saying bad, nasty, caustic, evil and derogatory things about your partner or spouse when alone together, behind his/her back while with friends or colleagues, putting each other down in public and open display of temper, animosity and outbursts is sure to end your relationship fast. Your spouse is your KING and you are his QUEEN (or vice-versa). You must treat each other so at all times and in all situations. 2. You must have trust in one another. You must accept that irrespective of the place, issue or circumstances considered that your spouse has your best interests at heart, and will not do anything to compromise or jeopardize your position or investments in the relationship. You must exercise and exhibit confidence in your partner or spouse no matter the situation. Be able to correct, scold and rebuke one another in love whenever either of you is discovered or found in the wrong. In addition, make your expectations known to your spouse and constantly share with and update one another with events and developments as regards your personal life (work, business, friends, acquaintances, in-laws, etc) and the relationship. 3. Both of you must have hope in the future. There must be something you both look forward to achieving, accomplishing or attaining together that is plan and purpose related. This goes beyond the ‘I love and miss you so much’ so popular with relationships and romances involving opposite sexes. You must both be committed to a dream, project, work, task or ambition that will require both of you working together as partners. You can enjoy the best of your partner or spouse and also your relationship when you take on your responsibility by making adjustments where identified and necessary. There is a lot waiting to be discovered, developed and harnessed in your relationship when both of you rise to the occasion and challenge to make your relationship one of the very best. There is power in unity (you and your spouse together) for attainment and accomplishments (Genesis 11:6 paraphrased). Best relationships is not for an exclusive group, category or class of people; it is equally for YOU and YOUR SPOUSE. |