Wondering what makes a relationship not just last, but truly thrive over time?

Successful relationships aren’t just about love at first sight or shared hobbies. There’s much more to it and psychologists agree.

They’ve identified 8 specific qualities that almost all flourishing couples share, revealing the secrets behind enduring love and deep connection

Intrigued?

In this article, we’ll uncover these seven essential traits that can turn a good relationship into a great one.

Having these qualities doesn’t guarantee a perfect relationship (we all know there’s no such thing), but it can offer a roadmap to a stronger, healthier partnership. And who doesn’t want that?

1) Open communication

Let’s start with the big one, open communication.

Psychologists can’t stress this enough, and neither can I.

Communication is the bedrock of a successful relationship.

There’s no two ways about it.

It’s more than just talking about your day or discussing what’s for dinner.

It’s about expressing your thoughts, feelings, and concerns in an open and honest way.

We’re all humans, and misunderstandings are bound to happen. But when there is open communication, these issues get resolved before they turn into major conflicts.

So, want a thriving relationship? Start by being open, honest, and clear in your communication. Trust me, it works wonders.

2) Embracing the ordinary

Here’s something you might not expect: successful couples embrace the ordinary.

Contrary to what Hollywood might have us believe, romance isn’t always about grand gestures and epic declarations of love.

In fact, most of the time, it’s about the small, everyday moments.

Psychologists agree that couples who find joy in the mundane – like doing chores together or just sitting in silence – often have stronger, healthier relationships.

These couples understand that love isn’t just about the sparks and butterflies.

It’s also about standing side by side in the grocery line and discussing who gets to do the dishes.

It might sound counterintuitive, but embracing the ordinary can make your relationship extraordinary.

3) Independence

When you’re in a relationship, it’s easy to lose yourself in your partner. After all, love can be all-consuming.

But here’s the thing: successful couples understand the importance of independence.

In my years of studying relationships, I’ve found that the happiest couples are those who value their personal space and independence.

They know that being a “we” doesn’t mean giving up on the “me”.

It’s about maintaining your own interests, hobbies, and friendships outside the relationship.

This not only keeps you happy and fulfilled, but also brings freshness and vibrancy to your bond.

In my book, Breaking The Attachment: How To Overcome Codependency in Your Relationship, I delve deeper into this concept.

It’s a delicate balance, but once mastered, it can take your relationship to new heights.

4) Forgiveness

If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years, it’s that forgiveness is key in any successful relationship.

We all make mistakes, and holding onto grudges doesn’t do anyone any favors.

Psychologists agree that couples who practice forgiveness tend to have healthier, more satisfying relationships.

It’s not about forgetting the wrongs or sweeping issues under the rug.

It’s about acknowledging the issue, discussing it, and then letting it go.

As the great Nelson Mandela once said, “Resentment is like drinking poison and then hoping it will kill your enemies”.

Holding onto anger only hurts you in the long run.

5) Laughter

Now, this might seem a little light-hearted compared to the other points, but hear me out.

Laughter is a bonding agent in successful relationships.

Think about it. When was the last time you shared a hearty laugh with your partner?

Didn’t it feel good? Didn’t it bring you closer?

As a relationship expert, I’ve noticed that couples who laugh together, stay together.

It’s true! Shared humor creates a sense of camaraderie and intimacy that’s hard to beat.

And it’s not just about cracking jokes.

It’s about finding joy in life’s absurdities together, and not taking yourselves too seriously.

In my own relationship, laughter has been a constant source of connection and joy.

So go ahead, share a joke, watch a comedy, or simply laugh at an old memory.

6) Shared values

You’ve probably heard the saying, “Opposites attract”.

While there’s some truth to it, successful relationships often thrive on shared values.

From my experience, couples who share core values – be it about family, finances, or faith – tend to have healthier relationships.

It’s not about agreeing on everything, but rather having a common foundation to build upon.

Having shared values gives you a common language, a shared perspective to navigate through life’s ups and downs together.

In my own life, sharing core values with my partner has played a significant role in strengthening our bond.

7) Acceptance of flaws

This point might be a bit hard to swallow, but it’s crucial. Successful couples accept each other’s flaws.

No one is perfect. We all have our quirks, our bad days, and our not-so-great habits.

But in a successful relationship, these flaws are accepted, not merely tolerated.

It’s about understanding that your partner is a human being who, like you, has strengths and weaknesses.

It’s about appreciating them for who they are, not who you want them to be.

Do they snore? Do they forget to put the toilet seat down? Can they be a bit stubborn at times? It’s all part of the package.

It’s these imperfections that make us unique.

And it’s through accepting these imperfections that we truly love unconditionally.

Wrapping up

Understanding the qualities that underpin successful relationships can offer valuable guidance and reassurance as you navigate your own partnership.

By recognizing and nurturing these eight essential traits, you and your partner can build a stronger, more resilient bond that stands the test of time.

To explore these ideas further, I suggest watching the following video by Justin Brown.

He shares his insights on how to navigate the complexities of finding a life partner.

From understanding shared values to embracing growth and mutual support in a relationship, he sheds light on the essential lessons for finding a compatible partner.