The imperfection of human relationships

No relationship is perfect. No amount of money or time can ensure a relationship is always sunshine and roses. Every union has issues from time to time. I'm not just talking about romantic relationships here, I am taking family and friends of all types.

So, what makes a relationship last? What attributes ensure a relationship stands the test of time?

Maybe it is different for everyone. Maybe each union has a unique formula required to ensure its success.

A foundation stone for me is respect. To me, respect is the basis for any successful relationship.

Fun is important too. Life's serious enough with work and bills and all that adult stuff. So, for me, it is important to play together. To find light in a situation. To seek out the positive side. To laugh and ignite a sense of adventure.

Shared core values are especially important for a romantic relationship. In fact, anyone that you spend a great deal of time with should, in my opinion, share your values for how people are treated and what's important in life. Periphery differences are manageable but I believe you have to hold the same core values to ensure longevity. For me it is family, honesty, hard work and trust.

People, experts no less, say that communication is a cornerstone for a successful relationship but I'm not sold. While, I think effective communication is important, I think it is a result of respect and shared core values rather than a key in and of itself. Perhaps I am skewed in my representation on this point as I tend to over communicate (and overthink). By over communicating I complicate things and my overactive mind creates problems that don't exist. By thinking them and voicing them, they become a self fulfilling prophecy.

I do believe, however, that if two people both want the relationship to work (and they respect each other, have a little fun and share the same core values) then there's no chance of them falling apart. Perhaps I am an eternal optimist. Perhaps I am naive. Perhaps... Or, perhaps, people let life get in the way of their relationships. Perhaps the real reason relationships fail is because we take them for granted. We stop saying thank you. We stop dating. We stop making time to truly listen to the other person when they speak. We forget to have adventures. We no longer grow together.  I think those are the times when relationships fail.