There are basically three types of intimate relationships that shape our personal life – close friends, romantic partners and family.
However, the success of any of these, or of other relationships which we may see as less significant depends on what we as individuals are prepared to invest in them.

The key ingredients for any successful relationship are a willingness to trust in each other, to communicate effectively, be able to apologise when we make mistakes and take responsibility for own behaviour, to maintain a sense of humour and humility and above all to give each other and the relationship time by being actively involved and sharing a significant part of our lives together.

When a relationship feels good and is working well we have that sense that being in that relationship just feels right, when even sitting in silence is to feel at ease in each other’s company. An intimate relationship is defined as the state of knowing someone well, and to be known and to know the other is the ideal, though it takes time to achieve. This sense of all being well with each other and with the relationship is not always easy to maintain.

Relationships evolve, change and sometimes break and experiences such as raising children, bereavement, loss of a job or job satisfaction, changes in financial circumstances, infidelity, and the stages of our own development may all impact on these relationships. These are challenges that most relationships encounter and it is the quality of the relationship that will most affect the processes of repair and growth. So what are the key factors in sustaining and growing our relationships with others?

• Time: When the relationship is working or feels right to us we can become complacent. So attending to and being attentive to the other person and to the relationship is critical. Take time to check out with each other how things are and what, if anything, needs to change.

• Self-awareness: We should ask ourselves ‘How am I changing? Do I involve others when it should be a relationship decision? Do I accept responsibility for my own actions and forgive others when they’ve made a mistake? Do I have a ‘helping’ or a ‘blaming’ mind-set? Am I doing the best for us or for me? Do I communicate openly and honestly in order to let others know how I feel and why I am upset, or do I expect others to mind read my thoughts and feelings?’

• Positive outlook: Ask ‘Do I acknowledge others and their strengths and can I remain positive, good natured and demonstrate genuine warmth and love when things are difficult or do I criticise and use put – downs?’

• Ability to resolve conflict: Arguments are inevitable in any relationship but it’s our ability to resolve conflict in as non-blameful or confrontational way as possible that matters. We must try to demonstrate forgiveness and a willingness to reach a resolution rather than taking a stance of ‘I win, you lose’.

• To Listen: Listening requires a great deal of empathy (ability to put ourselves in the other person’s shoes). When we decide to really listen we make ourselves available to that person, thereby demonstrating the importance we are giving to that person and to the relationship. This says to them ‘I am here for you’, rather than ‘I’m trying to put my point across regardless of your feelings’.

You're entitled to your opinion but this is plain wrong. Relationships cannot be guided by these lines. The human mind is wired differently.
All I know is be free around your spouse...as in totally free. Be yourself. He /she will stay if he/she likes what he/she sees. Else its a bouncing things.waka comot sharp. This is the major key. Some will follow all these lines but go still keep their true character. That's why we have so many breakups. Because the other person go come see true character and might not like it. (Speaking from experience.)


As in I don see girl wey her husband travel. She misses the guy because of a very weird thing.....the way he farts around. As in.......

okay nice

Legit

QueenSekxy:
okay nice

Mary Amaka

We can try but can never be perfect

honjohnbright:
We can try but can never be perfect

Expectations are set and just
as quickly, they get deflated. Those unmet
expectations can leave us questioning the
viability of our partnership and connection.

Well I will agree to your comment 60%

Victornezzar:

Come ooo,anyway ma nor talk sha.

Martin0:

Mary Amaka

aww!!that's not me you know

Victornezzar:

Victor hope you wouldn't turn this to soccer field

QueenSekxy:

Victor hope you wouldn't turn this to soccer field

lol....In the evening

Victornezzar:
lol....In the evening

lol

QueenSekxy:

lol

u don chop??

Victornezzar:
u don chop??

yeah..preparing for school.
have a nice day

QueenSekxy:

yeah..preparing for school.

have a nice day

same 2 u

QueenSekxy:
aww!!that's not me you know

Yeah I know so u nor wan be Nnwa mary again.. Umu chineke

QueenSekxy:
yeah..preparing for school.
have a nice day

Eh! Iffa catch una eh,na here una wan dey do ifumnaya abi

Martin0:


Expectations are set and just
as quickly, they get deflated. Those unmet
expectations can leave us questioning the
viability of our partnership and connection.

Well I will agree to your comment 60%

True

honjohnbright:

True

I greet u