Tag: maintain

Respect in a relationship

 

Defining respect in a relationship

Respect is a vital aspect of any healthy and successful relationship. It forms the foundation for trust, communication, and understanding between partners. When there is respect in a relationship, both individuals feel valued, appreciated and heard.

But what exactly does respect mean in the context of a relationship? It goes beyond simply being polite or courteous. Respect in a relationship involves recognizing and honoring each other’s boundaries, opinions, and feelings. It means treating your partner as an equal, without belittling or demeaning them. Respect also means being honest and transparent as well as maintaining open lines of communication.

In a respectful relationship, partners prioritize each other’s needs and work together to find mutually satisfying solutions. Furthermore, they listen actively, validate each other’s emotions and make an effort to understand their partner’s perspective. Respect also includes giving each other space and allowing for individual growth and independence.

By practicing respect in a relationship, couples create a safe and nurturing environment where love and happiness can thrive. It sets the stage for a strong and lasting partnership built on trust, support and mutual admiration.

Importance of Respect

How respect contributes to a healthy relationship

Respect is a fundamental aspect of any healthy and successful relationship. It plays a crucial role in maintaining harmony, trust and understanding between partners. Here are some ways in which respect contributes to a healthy relationship:

1. Nurtures Emotional Connection: Respect allows partners to create a safe and supportive environment, fostering emotional intimacy and connection. When each person feels heard, valued and respected, it builds a strong foundation for a lasting relationship.

2. Encourages Open Communication: Respectful communication is essential for resolving conflicts and addressing issues effectively. When partners respect each other’s opinions, ideas and boundaries, it opens the door for honest and open communication.

3. Builds Trust and Security: Respect promotes trust and security within a relationship. When partners respect each other’s boundaries and feelings, it creates a sense of safety and allows for vulnerability and growth.

4. Cultivates Independence: In a respectful relationship, partners allow each other space to be themselves and pursue individual interests and goals. Respect supports individuality, personal growth and independence while maintaining a strong bond between partners.

The impacts of a lack of respect

On the other hand, a lack of respect can have detrimental effects on a relationship. Here are some potential impacts of a lack of respect:

1. Communication Breakdown: Without respect, communication can become hostile and ineffective. Moreover, partners may feel unheard and dismissed, leading to increased conflict and misunderstandings.

2. Erosion of Trust: Without mutual respect, trust can be compromised. Partners may struggle to rely on each other or feel secure within the relationship, resulting in a breakdown of trust and emotional connection.

3. Emotional Harm: Lack of respect can lead to emotional harm, such as belittling, criticizing, or disrespecting one’s boundaries and feelings. This can result in diminished self-esteem and a sense of worthlessness within the relationship.

4. Difficulty Resolving Conflicts: A lack of respect makes it challenging to resolve conflicts in a healthy and productive manner. Instead of finding mutually beneficial solutions, partners may engage in power struggles or dismiss each other’s needs and concerns.

5. Relationship Dissatisfaction: Ultimately, a lack of respect can lead to overall dissatisfaction and unhappiness within the relationship. Without respect, the foundation of the relationship becomes weak, resulting in an unhealthy and unsustainable dynamic.

It is vital to prioritize and cultivate respect within a relationship to ensure its long-term success and happiness for both partners.

Communication and Respect

The role of communication in fostering respect

Communication plays a pivotal role in fostering respect within a relationship. It is through open and honest communication that partners can express their needs, boundaries, and concerns. Here’s why communication is essential in cultivating respect:

  1. Understanding: Effective communication allows partners to understand each other’s perspectives, experiences, and emotions. When we actively listen and engage in meaningful conversations, we develop a deeper understanding of our partner’s thoughts and feelings, which lays the foundation for respect.
  2. Empathy: Communication facilitates empathy, enabling partners to put themselves in each other’s shoes. By listening attentively and demonstrating understanding, we show respect for our partner’s experiences and emotions, even if we may not agree with them.
  3. Conflict Resolution: Healthy communication is crucial for resolving conflicts in a respectful manner. When partners engage in calm and respectful dialogue, they can find mutually satisfactory solutions that consider both perspectives. This promotes compromise, understanding, and respect for each other’s needs and boundaries.

Tips for respectful communication in a relationship

To foster respect in a relationship, it is important to practice respectful communication. Here are some tips to promote healthy communication:

  1. Active Listening: Give your partner your full attention when they are speaking and avoid interrupting. Show genuine interest by maintaining eye contact, nodding, and asking clarifying questions.
  2. Empathetic Responses: Validate your partner’s emotions and experiences by responding with empathy and understanding. Avoid dismissing or belittling their feelings, even if you may not agree with them.
  3. Use “I” Statements: Express your thoughts and feelings using “I” statements to avoid sounding accusatory. For example, say “I feel hurt when…” instead of “You always make me feel hurt.”
  4. Mindful Language: Choose your words carefully, avoiding harsh or derogatory language. Use assertive and respectful tones to express your needs and frustrations.
  5. Take Breaks: If a conversation becomes heated or tense, it is essential to take breaks to cool down and regain composure. This prevents disrespectful or hurtful words from being said in the heat of the moment.

Remember, respectful communication is an ongoing practice that requires effort and commitment from both partners. By prioritizing open, honest, and empathetic communication, you can nurture a relationship built on mutual respect and understanding.

Boundaries and Respect

Understanding and setting healthy boundaries

In any relationship, it is crucial to establish and respect boundaries to maintain a healthy and mutually fulfilling dynamic. Here are some key points to consider when it comes to understanding and setting boundaries in a relationship:

  1. Self-awareness: Take the time to understand your own needs, desires, and limits. This self-awareness will help you communicate your boundaries effectively to your partner.
  2. Open communication: Establish an open and honest line of communication with your partner. This will create a safe space for both of you to express your boundaries without fear of judgment or rejection.
  3. Consent and agreement: Ensure that both you and your partner are in agreement and have given consent to the boundaries that have been set. Mutually agreed-upon boundaries are essential for maintaining respect and trust in a relationship.
  4. Flexibility: Recognize that boundaries may evolve and change over time. It is important to be open to renegotiating boundaries as the relationship progresses and the needs of both partner’s shift.

Respecting boundaries in a relationship

Respecting your partner’s boundaries is a fundamental aspect of maintaining a healthy and respectful relationship. Here are some guidelines to follow when it comes to respecting boundaries:

  1. Active listening: Pay attention to your partner’s needs and desires and listen actively without interrupting or dismissing their concerns.
  2. Consistency: Additionally, be consistent in respecting your partner’s boundaries. Consistency builds trust and reinforces the importance of boundaries in the relationship.
  3. Empathy: Put yourself in your partner’s shoes and try to understand their perspective. This will help you respect their boundaries and respond with empathy and care.
  4. Accountability: Furthermore, take responsibility for your actions and the impact they may have on your partner. If you inadvertently cross a boundary, apologize sincerely and make a genuine effort to rectify the situation.

By understanding and setting healthy boundaries, as well as respecting your partner’s boundaries, you can create a strong foundation of respect and trust in your relationship. This fosters a sense of security and promotes a healthy and fulfilling partnership.

Trust and Respect

The relationship between trust and respect

Trust and respect are two fundamental components of a healthy and successful relationship. Unquestionably, these two elements are deeply interconnected and rely on each other to thrive. Here’s how trust and respect are intertwined:

1. Trust builds respect: When partners trust each other, they feel secure and confident in the relationship. This trust creates a foundation of respect, as both individuals believe in each other’s honesty and integrity.

2. Respect fosters trust: Showing respect for your partner, their boundaries, and their feelings builds trust within the relationship. When both parties show mutual respect, it creates a safe and nurturing environment where trust can grow.

3. Trust and respect go hand in hand: In addition, trust and respect are mutually reinforcing. As trust deepens, respect for your partner’s choices, opinions, and boundaries naturally strengthens. Likewise, showing respect for your partner’s needs and boundaries enhances the trust they have in you.

Building and maintaining trust through respect

Respect is a vital component of building and maintaining trust in a relationship. Here are some ways to foster trust through respect:

1. Communication: Open and honest communication is essential for building trust and respect in a relationship. In addition, active listening, expressing empathy, and validating your partner’s feelings create an environment of mutual understanding and respect.

2. Honoring boundaries: Respecting your partner’s boundaries is crucial for maintaining trust. Moreover, recognize and honor their limits and avoid pressuring them to do something they are uncomfortable with.

3. Consistency: Additionally, Consistency in behavior and actions helps establish trust in a relationship. When you consistently demonstrate respect for your partner’s feelings, opinions, and boundaries, they feel secure in the relationship.

4. Reliability: Being reliable and keeping your promises contributes to trust and respect. When you follow through on your commitments and show up for your partner, it strengthens their belief in your dedication and reliability.

5. Resolving conflicts respectfully: Disagreements are inevitable in any relationship, but how you handle conflicts can either build or erode trust. Approaching conflicts with respect, active listening, and a desire for compromise helps maintain trust and strengthen the relationship.

Remember that trust and respect are ongoing processes that require effort and dedication from both partners. Moreover, by prioritizing these values, you can build a strong foundation of trust and respect that will empower your relationship to thrive.

Equality and Respect

The importance of equality in a relationship

In any relationship, whether it’s romantic or platonic, equality and respect are vital for a healthy and fulfilling connection. When there is equality, both partners have an equal say in decisions, responsibilities are shared, and power dynamics are balanced. This creates a loving and supportive environment where both individuals can thrive and grow together.

Here are some reasons why equality is essential in a relationship:

1. Mutual Empowerment: When both partners are treated equally, they feel empowered and confident in themselves and their abilities. Furthermore, they are more likely to pursue their dreams and goals, knowing that their partner supports and believes in them.

2. Trust and Communication: Equality fosters trust and open communication in a relationship. When both partners feel valued and respected, they are more likely to share their thoughts, feelings, and concerns without fear of judgment or rejection.

3. Shared Responsibilities: In an equal relationship, both partners share the responsibilities of managing the household, making financial decisions, and raising children (if applicable). This helps prevent feelings of overwhelm and ensures a fair distribution of workload.

4. Support and Encouragement: When there is equality, both partners actively support and encourage each other’s personal and professional growth. They celebrate each other’s achievements and provide a safe space to share vulnerabilities and fears.

5. Conflict Resolution: Moreover, in a relationship built on equality, conflicts are resolved through open and respectful communication. Both partners are willing to listen, understand, and find a solution together, rather than resorting to power struggles or controlling behaviors.

6. Self-Worth and Self-Esteem: Equality in a relationship contributes to an individual’s sense of self-worth and self-esteem. When they are treated with respect and fairness, they are more likely to have a positive self-image and engage in healthy behaviors.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, remember that equality and respect go hand in hand. It’s important to treat your partner with kindness, empathy, and understanding, just as you would want to be treated. Furthermore, by prioritizing equality in your relationship, you can build a foundation of love, trust, and mutual growth.

How to keep a healthy relationship

 

Maintaining a healthy relationship requires open and honest communication. It is essential to express your thoughts, feelings, and needs clearly and respectfully to your partner. Here are some reasons why open communication is important in a relationship:

1. Builds Trust: When you communicate openly and honestly with your partner, it creates a sense of trust and transparency. Trust is the foundation of a healthy relationship, and open communication helps to strengthen that trust.

2. Resolves Conflict: Communication is crucial in resolving conflicts and disagreements. Moreover, by openly expressing your concerns and listening to your partner’s perspective, you can find common ground and work through issues together.

3. Enhances Intimacy: Open communication fosters intimacy and emotional connection in a relationship. Sharing your thoughts, dreams, and fears with your partner allows you to develop a deeper bond and understanding.

4. Promotes Understanding: Effective communication helps you understand your partner better. Furthermore, by actively listening and asking questions, you can gain insight into their perspective, needs, and desires.

Effective listening skills

Good communication goes beyond speaking; it also involves active listening. Here are some tips for practicing effective listening in your relationship:

1. Give Your Full Attention: When your partner is speaking, give them your undivided attention. Put away distractions, maintain eye contact, and actively engage in the conversation.

2. Practice Empathy: Try to understand your partner’s feelings and perspectives. Put yourself in their shoes and validate their emotions, even if you don’t agree with them.

3. Reflect and Recap: Summarize what your partner has said to ensure that you have understood them correctly. What’s more, this shows that you are actively listening and helps clarify any misunderstandings.

4. Ask Open-Ended Questions: Encourage further discussion by asking open-ended questions that require more than a simple yes or no answer. This helps to deepen conversations and promotes better understanding.

By prioritizing open and honest communication and actively listening to your partner, you can build a strong foundation for a healthy and fulfilling relationship.

Mutual Respect and Trust

Building a foundation of trust

Trust is a crucial component of a healthy relationship. Building trust takes time and effort, but it is essential for the long-term success of any relationship. Here are some ways to build a foundation of trust:

1. Communication: Firstly, 0pen and honest communication is key. Be transparent with your partner about your thoughts, feelings, and needs. Listen actively and respectfully to their thoughts and concerns. Regularly check in with each other to ensure that you both feel heard and understood.

2. Reliability: Show your partner that they can rely on you. Be consistent in your actions and follow through on your commitments. Be there for your partner when they need you, both in good times and in bad. Being reliable builds trust and strengthens your bond.

3. Honesty: Unquestionably, always be honest with your partner. Lies, even small ones, can erode trust over time. Be truthful about your intentions, actions, and emotions. In addition, if you make a mistake, own up to it and apologize. Honesty fosters trust and allows for open communication.

4. Respect boundaries: Respect your partner’s boundaries and ask for consent. Everyone has different comfort levels and limits, so it is important to understand and respect each other’s boundaries. Communicate openly about what you are and are not comfortable with and be mindful of each other’s feelings.

Respecting each other’s boundaries and emotions

Respecting each other’s boundaries and emotions is crucial for maintaining a healthy relationship. Here are some tips for doing so:

1. Active listening: When your partner is sharing their emotions or concerns, listen actively without interrupting or judging. Validate their feelings and offer support. Show empathy and understanding, even if you may not fully relate to their experiences. Your partner will feel heard and valued.

2. Establish boundaries: Discuss and establish boundaries with your partner. This includes physical, emotional, and personal boundaries. Respect these boundaries and never push your partner to do something they are not comfortable with. Furthermore, honoring boundaries shows respect and fosters trust.

3. Give each other space: It is important to maintain individual lives and interests outside of the relationship. Moreover, encourage each other to pursue hobbies, spend time with friends, and have alone time. This allows for personal growth and prevents feelings of being suffocated or controlled.

4. Resolve conflicts respectfully: Disagreements and conflicts are natural in any relationship. When conflicts arise, address them calmly and respectfully. Avoid blaming or attacking each other. Use “I” statements to express your feelings and needs. Find compromises and work together to find solutions.

Furthermore, by building a foundation of trust and respecting each other’s boundaries and emotions, you can establish a healthy and strong relationship. Remember that relationships require effort, and it is important to continuously nurture and prioritize each other’s well-being.

Quality Time Together

Importance of spending quality time together

In a healthy relationship, spending quality time together is essential for building and maintaining a strong connection. Moreover, it allows partners to nurture their emotional bond, deepen their understanding of each other, and create lasting memories. Here are a few reasons why spending quality time together is important:

1. Increased Intimacy: Quality time allows couples to share meaningful experiences and connect on a deeper level, fostering emotional intimacy.

2. Strengthened Communication: In addition, spending time together provides an opportunity for open and honest communication, which enhances understanding and strengthens the emotional connection between partners.

3. Emotional Support: Quality time gives couples the chance to be there for each other and offer emotional support, helping to create a sense of security and trust in the relationship.

4. Shared Activities and Hobbies: Engaging in shared activities and hobbies can help couples bond over common interests, creating a sense of unity and shared purpose.

Tips for prioritizing and making time for each other

Making time for each other in a busy world can be challenging, but with commitment and intentionality, it is possible. Here are some tips to help prioritize and make time for each other:

1. Schedule Regular Date Nights: Set aside specific times in your schedule for date nights, whether it’s going out for dinner, watching a movie together, or enjoying a shared activity. Make it a priority to protect this time and give each other your undivided attention.

2. Disconnect from Technology: Avoid distractions like phones and laptops during quality time together. Focus on being present with each other and fully engaging in the moment.

3. Create Rituals and Traditions: Establish rituals and traditions that are meaningful to both of you, such as cooking together, going for a walk, or having a weekly game night. These activities can help create a sense of routine and anticipation for spending time together.

4. Communicate Your Needs: Be open and honest with each other about your need for quality time. Moreover, express your desire to spend more time together and find ways to compromise and meet each other’s needs.

5. Make the Most of Everyday Moments: Even in the midst of busy schedules, look for opportunities to connect during everyday moments, such as sharing a meal or going for a walk together. It’s the little things that can add up to make a big difference in feeling connected as a couple.

Investing time in your relationship is a key ingredient to keeping it healthy and strong. Furthermore, by prioritizing quality time together, you can nurture your bond and create a solid foundation for long-term happiness and fulfillment.

Honoring Individuality

Recognizing and celebrating each other’s unique qualities

In a healthy relationship, it is important to recognize and celebrate each other’s unique qualities. Here are some ways to honor and appreciate individuality in a relationship:

1. Respect Differences: It is essential to understand that each person in a relationship is different. Embrace and accept these differences, whether it’s in interests, opinions, or personality traits. Additionally, respect each other’s individuality and avoid trying to change or mold your partner into someone they’re not.

2. Celebrate Strengths: Take the time to acknowledge and appreciate each other’s strengths and talents. Furthermore, celebrate the achievements and successes of your partner and support them in pursuing their passions and hobbies. By celebrating each other’s unique qualities, you can create a positive and empowering environment in your relationship.

3. Emphasize Communication: Communication is key to understanding each other’s needs, desires, and preferences. Encourage open and honest communication in your relationship, where both partners feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and feelings. This can help foster an atmosphere of mutual respect and understanding.

Encouraging personal growth and independence

While being in a relationship, it is essential to encourage personal growth and independence. Here are some ways to support each other’s personal development:

1. Pursue Individual Interests: Encourage each other to pursue individual interests and hobbies outside of the relationship. This allows for personal growth and fulfillment, as well as fostering a sense of independence and self-confidence.

2. Set and Support Goals: Encourage and support each other in setting and pursuing personal goals. Whether it’s advancing in a career, learning a new skill, or achieving a personal milestone, be each other’s cheerleader and provide the necessary support and encouragement.

3. Maintain Boundaries: It is important to respect each other’s personal boundaries and give each other space when needed. Moreover, recognize that individuals need time and space to recharge and focus on themselves. This can help maintain a healthy sense of self in a relationship.

By honoring individuality and encouraging personal growth and independence, you can create a healthy and balanced relationship. Remember that a strong relationship is built on mutual respect, support, and a deep appreciation for each other’s unique qualities.

Conflict Resolution

Healthy ways to resolve conflicts

In any relationship, conflicts can arise from time to time. However, it’s important to handle these conflicts in a healthy and constructive manner to maintain a strong and healthy relationship. Here are some tips for resolving conflicts in a healthy way:

1. Effective communication: Clearly and respectfully communicate your feelings, needs, and concerns to your partner. Active listening and understanding their perspective is also essential in resolving conflicts.

2. Take a break: If emotions are running high, it’s okay to take a break and cool down before addressing the issue. What’s more, this helps prevent escalations and allows both partners to approach the conflict with a clear head.

3. Find a compromise: Look for solutions that meet the needs of both partners. Aim for a win-win situation where both parties feel heard and valued.

4. Avoid blaming and criticizing: Instead of blaming or criticizing your partner, focus on expressing your own feelings and needs. Use “I” statements to avoid making the other person defensive.

5. Seek professional help: If conflicts persist and become challenging to resolve, consider seeking the help of a couple’s therapist or counselor. They can provide guidance and tools for effective conflict resolution.

Strategies for effective problem-solving

In addition to resolving conflicts, effective problem-solving skills are vital for maintaining a healthy relationship. Here are some strategies for effective problem-solving:

1. Identify the problem: Firstly, clearly define the issue at hand to ensure that both partners are on the same page.

2. Brainstorm solutions: Additionally, encourage open and honest communication to generate a variety of potential solutions. Moreover, be open to new ideas and perspectives.

3. Evaluate the options: Consider the pros and cons of each solution and assess how they align with both partners’ needs and values.

4. Agree on a solution: Select a solution that both partners are willing to commit to. Furthermore, this may involve finding a compromise or combining different ideas.

5. Set goals and follow-up: Lastly, establish goals and action steps to implement the agreed-upon solution. Regularly evaluate progress and make adjustments as needed.

In short, by utilizing these conflict resolution and problem-solving strategies, couples can effectively address conflicts and work together to maintain a healthy and harmonious relationship.

Making a long-distance relationship work

How to make a long-distance relationship work?

This is one of the biggest struggles that any couple will ever have to work through. When your better half resides miles away, so many thoughts go through your mind. You begin searching within yourself for answers and start asking yourself, “how to make a long-distance relationship work?”

Anxiety takes over when they don’t respond to your last text or don’t answer when you call. You start asking yourself, “What are they doing? Who are they with? Why are they ignoring me? Are they blowing me off?”

When you fall in love with someone, you vow that you would do anything to make it work with them. Nothing could ever stand in the way of what you both want, not even long distance. So, the question remains, how to make a long-distance relationship work?

You must be committed.

There are many factors that come into play in order to make a long-distance relationship work. The foundation for success is built on three main components: trust, faith and communication. Without all of those working together, the relationship is sure to be doomed.

Trust is the key element to any type of relationship, intimate or not. Without trust, the relationship will be held at arm’s length. It is a natural feeling to not allow anyone you don’t trust to get too close to you, that’s just common sense. If you aren’t willing to trust who you are with to make wise decisions when you are not around, it might be time to walk away.

Faith falls into the same category as trust; however, faith is something that you must have in yourself. You must maintain faith in yourself and in the relationship itself. Trust yourself to make the right decisions when your spouse isn’t around. Let’s face it, temptation is everywhere, and the devil has honed his skills in that department. Have faith in your relationship and that will be your soldiers on the front line.

 Communication is a must when it comes to any relationship. Lack of communication becomes frustrating, and nobody likes to play guessing games in a relationship. Communication is important in any relationship; it is even more necessary when you factor in distance on top of it. When you are ignored or feel like you are being blown off, suspicious minds prevail, and your conscience will eat you alive.

You should never accuse your partner of ill intentions or infidelity just because they don’t respond to a text or answer their phone right away. If they are being unfaithful, the writing will be on the wall. I’m not saying that you have to stop in the middle of traffic to immediately respond to their text or call. Just communicate regularly or text an “I love you” once or twice a day. That will go a long way in a long-distance relationship.

Use the technology at your fingertips.

 Virtually anyone can conduct most daily tasks from that little rectangle device that they just can’t leave home without. Pay bills, surf the internet, take videos and pictures, catch up on news or the latest gossip on social media. These are just a few common daily activities that are done on our phones.

Your smart phone is equipped to handle and perform more duties than most of us will ever use on it. You can run your entire life from it if you so choose. This is convenient, but very scary at the same time. I want to focus on one of the better things that technology has provided us with, video calling.

When you video chat with someone, you are talking to them while being able to see their face. You can see their surroundings and the people they are with, it’s like being right there in person. Now, nothing could ever take the place of actually being right there beside your spouse. However, when you are in a long-distance relationship, it is all about compromise. When you can visually see the other person, it gives you a feeling of bliss during conversation.

I personally use Facebook messenger to video chat. As long as you have a good internet connection or mobile data on your smart phone, this app works great. If both of you have an Apple product, you can use Facetime to video chat. Google Duo if you are talking Android to Android and Skype is your Windows to Windows app. However, Facebook messenger works on all devices.

When you are miles away from the one you love, give them a video call in the evening to discuss your day. See what that are cooking for dinner, or you could even have a movie night. As I stated earlier, while it won’t compensate for actually being right there with the person you love, it is the next best thing.

You must have the same goals in life.

 When you are in a long-distance relationship, the end seems nowhere in sight. If the two of you have no goal in residing in the same household eventually, then why even waste the time and struggle in being in this relationship at all? Time is something you spend and can never get back, time is going to pass, no matter what you choose to do with it, that is a fact.

There are various reasons why couples choose to be in a long-distance relationship. Maybe you were high school sweethearts who went off to different colleges. Maybe you are married to someone in the military who has been deployed. Some of you may have met someone online that is a bit of a distance, and some have careers that require a significant amount of travel.

Whatever the reason, you both must agree that this is not a situation that you want to be in forever, because let’s face it, there has to be light at the end of the tunnel. All the anguish that you are both putting yourselves through in order to make this lifestyle manageable, has to be working toward something.

So how do you make a long-distance relationship work?

Both of you must make the other person feel like you want to make it work. Travel back and forth to see each other if you have the means. Come up with a plan where the two of you alternate travel time. One of you can make the trip and then the other does next time. Love, trust and understanding of what it takes to get to where you both eventually want to be, will guide you through the turbulent waters of life. Stay strong, stay committed and nothing will stand in the way of the dream you hope to have together.