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Defining A Good Relationship

There has been a lot said about what a bad relationship entails, but what about a good one? How do you know when what you have is for keeps? It turns out that while it's not simple, it's not rocket science, either.

A good relationship is characterized by how the people treat each other. In a good relationship you find respect, love, forgiveness, generosity, selflessness, gentleness, patience, peace, fidelity and a willingness to put the one you love above yourself.

When you're in a good relationship you feel good about it - even when you're apart. When you're mad at each other you still know that you care about each other. You both put each other's feelings first. You are respectful toward each other's ideas even when you disagree. You know how to fight fair. Everyone gets mad and says things that they don't mean, but in a good relationship this is the exception and not the rule.

Does your marriage or relationship fit this description? If it doesn't you may have some things to consider.

What a good relationship is not...

A good relationship is not just the opposite of a bad one. It is the opposite times a million good things! A good relationship is not a perfect relationship. Expect disagreements and fights and even hurt feelings. After all, no one is perfect and two imperfect people are not going to make the 'perfect couple'.

Some people suffer from 'grass is greener syndrome'. This disease tells them that if only they were with someone else, then they would be happy. People like this never have a good relationship because they don't realize that they take their problems with them.

Wait for the good ones. Sometimes it comes along that two people find something worth fighting for. Sometimes if both of you fight for it, it becomes worth it. People ask how to tell if it's love. You can tell by how you treat each other. You can tell because it's different than anything else, any casual fling. You can tell by your commitment. You can tell because love is more than just feelings of attraction and infatuation - it's action, beauty, commitment and sacrifice as well.