A healthy relationship starts from the fact that both the partners are compatible and that they genuinely like each other and the fact of just being together and the enjoyment of the company is reason enough for them. Of course there are other aspects of their relationship including sex, but those aspects over time may get diminished and the very fact of their mutual company will be what will keep them together.

If you ask for counsel from senior couples, who have spent years in a successful relationship, they will mention they were meant to be together. However, the fact is that they have really worked at that and have made it possible by committing themselves to making the relationship work through solving all the relationship issues that they had faced in their times.

Every successful relationship has to go through a lot of challenges and how you are able to solve them and still carry on with the relationship is what makes it worthwhile. Conflict resolution strategies are important. When I was young I saw how to make clay figures in a hobby class. I came home and using clay and colours made my self a dog. I remember spending hours when I was not in school or doing my homework and shaping it and finally when it was ready how I devotedly painted it with all my heart. I was emotionally attached to it to an extent that I never even asked for a real toy dog when I was growing up. I don’t think I would have done that if I had bought that clay dog from a store. The very reason I spent my time on it, I was attached to it emotionally. Relationships are like that only. The more time you spend the stronger will they get.

Every successful relation has to face some basic relationship issues which can either make or break a relationship –

Friendship. Couples need to find whether they are enjoying each others company. If they are not then they are not compatible. Sex, passion and everything left aside they need to genuine want to be together just as friends. A time will come when the sexual urge will die down and they will be left only with the genuine happiness of being together.

Emotional support. Couples must be able to get emotional support at a time when they need it the most. They need to be able to confide in each other and be completely true to each other. The more vulnerable you are to your partner the more is going to be the mutual trust and bond.

Sexual expectations of each partner and the non fulfillment of the same can lead to relationship issues. Each partner should understand each others sexual expectations. This may include frequency, adultery and even sexual positions. Being honest to each other by not engaging in sexual activities with other people is a big factor. They may also agree to certain sexual patterns they will or will not engage in. When they are true and clear about each others sexual expectations this can mean a truly experience for both.

Expectations on life. Some times couples share the same career and life paths and goals. However these are expectations and when this is not the case, it is better to set some goals in life early into the relationship and be clear to each other as to what their individual goals are and what their responsibilities would be in terms of the family.