Happy relationships are possible! They form the foundation of our emotional well-being and give us support, love, and companionship. Although every relationship we have is unique, they all have certain key elements in common.

Below is a list of the top eight elements that are essential to maintain a fulfilling and healthy connection to a family member, friend, or partner.

1.Boundaries
Psychologists report that unresolved conflicts with parents can be a major cause of invasion of a couple’s sexual boundaries and a vehicle for the expression of dissociated aggression.

To maintain individual identities and personal space within a relationship, respecting each other’s boundaries is important. When this is accomplished, the relationship feels comfortable and safe.

2. Independence and Quality Time
While spending quality time together is essential, it's equally valuable for each person in a relationship to maintain independence and pursue personal interests. When this doesn’t happen, people feel like they have lost their identity. For example, there are numerous stories about women in marriages who say they “woke up one day and didn’t recognize who they were,” which may lead to a divorce.

Striking the balance between quality time together and independence insures that each other's growth is supported while a fulfilling partnership is enjoyed.

3. Appreciation and Affection
Openly expressing love and affection for one another makes both people feel connected and close to each other. Acts of tenderness, thoughtful gestures, and heartfelt compliments are sure to open the heart and create positive memories that are cherished for years to come.

4. Trust and Respect
Trust is not necessarily automatic in a relationship. It’s earned through consistent, reliable behavior. Respect is given to one another when each other’s boundaries are recognized and valued, as well as each other’s opinions and autonomy. This helps create a secure environment and one that is supportive.

When this element goes haywire, an atmosphere of hostility and anxiety may result. That’s when one person begins questioning the other’s intentions and actions. When respect is lacking and boundaries are repeatedly crossed, it’s easy to build resentment. Feeling that needs and opinions don’t matter leads to anger and frustration.

Over time, lack of trust and respect can lead to poor communication, emotional distance, sadness, and diminished sense of self-worth.

5. Effective Communication
Open communication involves actively listening, sharing thoughts and feelings, and addressing concerns with respect and empathy. These skills are often best learned in classes on communication or in counseling. When you have effective communication as one of the foundations of your relationship, trust and understanding come easy for both people involved.

6. Conflict Resolution
Resolving conflicts may be a skill that needs to be developed by two people in a relationship. Approaching disagreements with patience and understanding requires a respectful and collaborative approach, and when the skills are mastered, the bond between you and another person ensures that your connection remains harmonious and resilient.

Relationship conflicts are associated with decreased productivity and decreased work satisfaction in the workplace.

7. Shared Values and Goals
When you have shared values, beliefs, and life aspirations, your relationship thrives. Without a shared vision for growth and progress, the relationship may reach a state of stagnation. This can further lead to difficulty making decisions because of conflicting values and goals, conflict and disagreements, resentment, and the potential to drift apart.

8. Emotional Support and Empathy
Imagine a relationship of unwavering emotional support and empathy. You would both understand each other’s feelings and experiences, offer comfort and validation, and strengthen the depth of your relationship. This would be felt in the good and bad times both.

But if these are not present, feelings of isolation and loneliness, emotional withdrawal from the relationship, dissatisfaction, and increased stress may easily replace any good feelings towards each other.

Any challenges that arise in a relationship may be met if both people have an open heart.

Nurturing a healthy relationship is a rewarding journey. It may take some classes, some counseling, and some long talks in front of the fireplace but it’s well worth it in the end.