Amy Brangwyn
When it comes to relationships, we tend to focus on compatibility, chemistry and those dreamy new romance feelings.
But it’s not all about the butterflies and fireworks!
While those are definitely important factors, there’s something even more crucial for long-lasting love — shared values.
If you want a deeply fulfilling and successful relationship, you’ve got to make sure your beliefs, principles, and priorities are aligned.
While the chemistry might be off the chain, you want to make sure you are on the same page when it comes down to the nitty-gritty things in life.
Are you already in a relationship and want to make it even better?
Or, maybe you’re single and ready to find someone new who ticks all the right boxes.
Here are six core values that can strengthen your bond and make your relationship thrive!
1) Trust — the foundation of love
Trust is literally the super glue that holds a relationship together.
It’s what gives you that 100% confidence in each other’s words, actions, and intentions.
Do you mean what you say?
Do you follow through on promises?
Do you act with love?
Trust means feeling secure and knowing that your partner has your back no matter what.
That means if someone is out of line with you, there’s trust in your partner to support you.
It means when there is a family drama, you trust your relationship can be a place of safety. You can let out all the irritation you have for your mom’s interfering or the way your brother puts you down.
Your secrets are kept safe by your most trusted confidant.
Trust is the bedrock upon which love grows; without it, even the smallest of issues can become mountains.
2) Communication — the power of connection
We all know that communication is essential, but let’s face it, when it comes to the crunch — we don’t always get it right.
Sometimes we have all the best intentions, and suddenly our words come out in a jumbled mess.
We’ve all been there, trust me!
Effective communication is not just about talking — it’s about truly understanding and being understood.
It’s about listening with empathy and expressing yourself with honesty and kindness.
It’s not always easy, especially when one of you is triggered, or you are tackling a sensitive subject.
Take a breath whenever you feel that rush of sticky, icky uncomfortableness. Ask for a minute to yourself to get composed.
Remember, good communication isn’t a competition of who can speak the fastest or the loudest!
And it isn’t about winning arguments either.
Take the time to connect with your partner, create the space to have those deep chats, make eye contact, and always be willing to find common ground — especially around the sticky stuff.
3) Respect — love and cherish
Respect is a fundamental value in any successful relationship.
If you don’t feel respected in your connection, it can lead to so many other issues around trust and recognition.
Ask yourself if your romance respects your thoughts, opinions, and boundaries.
Do you treat each other with kindness, consideration, and compassion?
Respect is knowing where the sore spots are and not poking them to get a laugh in a crowded room. Jokes and humorous banter is all good — as long as it’s not at the expense of your partner’s dignity.
Love isn’t just a noun — it’s also a verb that implies action. Love is seen and felt in the doing.
So, show your love through respectful words and actions. If you accidentally take a joke too far or push a boundary beyond what’s okay — give a heartfelt apology right away.
4) Shared goals — two hearts, one path
When it comes to creating unity and purpose in relationships, having shared goals is a must.
Envision your future together. Work towards your dreams.
You might be planning a trip, starting a family, or even building a den in your backyard. Shared goals will help you align your efforts and support each other’s aspirations.
If your partner wants to go and see the world’s biggest ball of twine, can you get on board with that?
If you want to start a savings plan together for your honeymoon, are they ready to start putting in some cash?
Two hearts working together for the same dream is so much more powerful than going it alone. You’ll be more creative, get more ideas flowing, and can pick each other up when the going gets tough.
Remember, teamwork makes the dream work, so join forces and conquer life together!
5) Empathy — the heart of understanding
Without empathy, your relationship will lack the emotional depth and intimacy needed to last a lifetime.
It’s the ability to imagine your partner’s perspective, understanding their individual feelings, needs, and experiences without judgement.
Empathy is about showing up with emotional maturity and being present to offer a comforting shoulder to lean on in stressful situations.
Taking the time to understand your emotional needs will mean that you can be such a source of nurturing to each other in times of need.
Responding empathetically to your loved one creates connection. It strengthens trust, builds intimacy and helps you navigate the ups and downs of life together.
If your partner is just having one of those days, you know, the ones where nothing goes right? Lend them your ears and heart, listen attentively, snuggle, and eat a tub of ice cream while you talk it all through.
6) Appreciation — love’s secret ingredient
We all need recognition.
Whether it’s for something big or small, appreciation for just being ourselves is such an essential aspect of romantic relationships.
Appreciation is like a sprinkle of magic dust that brings warmth and joy into your relationship. It’s about recognizing and acknowledging the little things your partner does, from making your morning coffee to giving you a spontaneous hug.
Making the effort to say “thank you” or “I appreciate you” should not be underestimated. Those words are so simple, incredibly effective, and make your partner feel valued and loved.
Remember to express your gratitude and celebrate the everyday moments that make your relationship extraordinary.
And, if your partner goes the extra mile and plans something especially for you — make sure they know how much it means to you.
Final thoughts
Successful and long-lasting relationships are built on a solid foundation. It is oh-so-important that you share the same values and beliefs around what makes a relationship thrive.
It’s not about being perfection personified.
It’s about having the presence and willingness to grow together.
So, hold hands, support each other’s dreams, and create a love story that’s filled with compassion, laughter, and lots of inside jokes.
Together, you can conquer any challenge that comes your way and create a relationship that stands the test of time.
