Randy Canales

Hundreds of books have been written about it. The dilemma is the popular subject of many films, books and television shows. Scientists and psychologists continue to undertake many studies and conduct detailed research about it. But still the question remains: what factors make up a good relationship? Can you match someone to another and know for certain from the outset that they will be happy together? Is there a trick to making relationships work?

Well, everyone’s different, and the answer to this question differs for each set of people. You would have to have some personality test results analysed to get more personal advice. However, there are a few basics that are vital to every successful relationship. Here are a few of them:

Compatibility

This word is bandied around a lot in the dating world. It means how well you fit together. Some say you need to have a few interests in common. Others say that opposites attract. But being compatible is not a simple tick list of favourite recreational sports. It’s more about attitude, life values and general philosophy. Your lifestyles should be similar, as should your goals and ambitions for now and the future. This is the only way that a long-term attachment will be possible.

This is probably the most important necessity of any relationship. If you can’t trust one another, then you may as well not be together. Being in a relationship puts you in a vulnerable position – it’s a big step to declare that you’re going to be with just one person. If this is in any way compromised, or if you think the other person isn’t quite feeling the same as you about it, then the relationship cannot last. Your partner should be the one person you can tell everything and anything to. No secrets.

Respect

Mutual respect is another key part of every relationship. If you don’t see your other half as the complete equal to yourself, you won’t find much happiness with them. You should respect each other as individuals and be able to make free choices without attempting to control each other. No sexual, racial or national differences should conflict with this.

Compromise

When you are part of a duo, the dynamics of decision-making change significantly. As a single person, when you want something, you can just walk out the door and find it: a tattoo, a cup of coffee, or a holiday to Thailand, for example. However, now that there are two brains instead of one, you must learn to compromise. You can no longer selfishly comply with your own needs. You must closely consider another’s and fit their agenda neatly on top of your own. Being able to compromise is therefore an essential quality of any harmonious relationship.

There are many things that make a relationship work, but these four are absolutely essential, whether you visit eHarmony UK to look for love or wait around at the local bar.