RELATIONSHIP THAT WORKS

Generally, a relationship can be described as a connection or bond that tie two or more people together. However, in this context, we are looking at the intimacy between a male and it's female counterpart or husband and wife. As a matter of fact, two individuals from different backgrounds in a relationship must have certain things uncommon and understanding their differences is the way forward for healthy relationship. Furthermore, it's not all the relationships that produce or lead to marriage and not all the marriages work. 

In today's World, cases of heartbroken and divorces surfaces on internet and social media every now and then as a result of failed relationships and marriages, and it's a called for concerns. The poor, the elites and the celebrities are not limited to this scenario. In every hook and cranny, the stories are alarming and it's a high time to adjust and look inward to put this menace under control because it's indirectly harmful to the society at large. 

The fragility of a relationship makes it unpredictable and to be nurtured with extremely carefulness for sustainability. This leads to numerous factors that can make relationships works. These factors are further classified into two, internal and external factors.

The internal factors: 

These factors are the qualities, attitudes and behaviors of each individual within the relationship that contribute to its health, stability and satisfaction. They are the elements that each partner brings to the table and has a degree of control over. These are:

1). Communication: Open and honest communication is the backbone of every successful relationship or marriage. It enhance free expression of thoughts, feelings, and needs without fear of judgement. It's also provide level ground for conflict resolution.

2). Trust: It is the absolute cornerstone of a healthy and working relationship. Without trust, the foundation of the relationship stand on  loose soil, leading to doubt, insecurity, and can be easily brow off by little wind. Trust acts as the emotional catalyst that sticks a relationship together. It's never comes overnight, rather through consistent reliability and honesty built overtime. When trust is broken, it is drastically difficult to repair.

3). Respect: Mutual respect is an essential for any healthy relationship, whether it's between romantic partners, friends, colleagues or family members. It signifies a deep appreciation for each other's worth, individuality, and perspectives. It means valuing the other person for who they are and acknowledging their feelings, thoughts and boundaries. Without respect, relationships can become strained, toxic and ultimately unsustainable.

4). Commitment: Commitment in a relationship refers to the dedication, loyalty, and willingness of both partners to invest time, effort, and energy into making the relationship last and thrive. It goes beyond having feelings for someone; it's an active choice to prioritize the partnership and work through challenges together. It is the active ingredient that transforms liking or loving someone into a stable and healthy partnership. It's the ongoing promise to navigate life's journey together, supporting and cherishing each other along the way.

5). Quality time: "Spending quality time" is not just a pleasant activity, it's a fundamental ingredient for a thrive and healthy relationship. It's requires effort, intention, and a commitment to prioritizing your partner and nurturing your connection through focused attention and shared experiences.

6). Healthy conflict resolution: It is the constructive and positive ways in which disagreements, disputes or differences are addressed and resolved within a relationship. It's not about avoiding conflict altogether, but rather about navigating disagreements in a manner that strengthen the relationship, fosters understanding, and leads to mutually acceptable outcomes. 

7). Appreciation: Appreciation as one of the key factors that makes relationship works goes beyond simply saying " thanks" . It's a deeper recognition and acknowledgement of your partner's qualities, efforts, and contributions to the relationship and your life. It's about feeling seen, valued, and cherished for who you are and what you bring to the partnership.

8). Independence: Independence in a relationship that works doesn't mean being emotionally detached or living completely separate lives. It is the ability of each individual within the relationship to maintain their own sense of self, interests, friendships, and autonomy outside the partnership.

The external factors:

The "external factors in a relationship that works" refer to the various influences and circumstances originating outside of the direct interactions and dynamics between the two individuals in the relationship. These factors can significantly impact the well-being, stability, and overall health of the relationship.  They are:

1). Family: In the face of life's inevitable challenges, family as an external factor play a vital role for a relationship to thrive. While individual characteristics and dynamics between partners are central to a relationship's success, the influence of family cannot overlooked. Understanding the impact of one's family of origin can offer valuable insights into relationship patterns and provide opportunities for growth and healthier connections.

2). Friends: Surrounding yourselves with friends who are supportive of your relationship and your individual well-being is important. Friends are a powerful external factor that can significantly influence the health of a relationship. Supportive friends can provide invaluable emotional support, perspective, and fun thereby fostering healthy relationship, and setting healthy boundaries are key to checkmate over interference of negative friends.

3). Work: It's a powerful external force that can either strengthen or strain a relationship. Recognizing it's potential impact and proactively implementing strategies to maintain a healthy balance and open communication are crucial for navigating the challenges and harnessing the positive aspects of work within the context of a loving partnership.

4). Societal expectations and cultural norms: It's refer to the widely accepted standards, values, beliefs and behaviors that are considered appropriate within a particular society or cultural group. These norms often dictate how individuals should behave in various social contexts, including relationships. 

In conclusion, your relationship can work if you carefully applied the above internal and external factors, nurture it with care and be prayerfully.