What makes a relationship work?
- The need to feel pursued by the other and cared about. Each needs to feel like the other can't live without them, they are the top priority in their lover's life. This doesn't mean they can't be a part or spend time with other friends, but they always come home because that is where their heart truly is.
- The need to feel protected. Generally we think of the man protecting the woman. Maybe we think physical protection, but I think both need to feel protected emotionally as well as physically. Each needs to feel that their thoughts, emotions, fears, heart, whatever is shared is safe with the other. Loyalty, trust, understanding or at least a desire to understand.
- The need for adventure or a break from routine. Everyone needs a little spice in their lives to remind them what it feels like to be alive. Get out and do or learn something new together. People grow and change all the time. It is a good thing, but for a relationship to stay strong, some of that growth needs to happen together or you find yourself on different paths. Sometimes this is easier to do in writing than in real life.
- The need to feel attractive and unique. Who wants to feel ugly or be stereotyped?
Note: This post was a lot better when I first thought about writing it, but I waited to long and forgot some of the best and wittiest comments. Isn't that how it goes?