Creating Good Relationships

Good relationships don't just happen. They require hard and persistent work. Several factors are helpful in creating and maintaining good relationships. A sense of equality is important. Neither one taking charge or feeling her or she is in charge of the relationship, but each feeling equal to the other with a mutuality of respect and appreciation, is important. It is important to be aware of our angry outbursts, tears, fears, ultimatums, threats, leaving decision making to the other, then chiding them if the decision turns out to be wrong. These are some (and the list is long) of the ways we manipulate each other, or defend ourselves, in our relationships. But relationships built on the shaky ground can never be satisfying. Confessing our faults, insecurities, fears to each other and being mutually understanding and forgiving forges relationships that are satisfying and enduring.