1. Trust. Great relationships are built on trust. It takes time to develop and is difficult to reestablish once lost. Relationships of all kinds will fail if there is no trust. When you feel safe, comfortable, open, and close to each other, you know you trust each other. It shows in your willingness to hear the difficult stuff—and learn from it.

2. Transparency. You express yourself openly and honestly in a healthy relationship. No subject is off-limits. You and your lover both believe you have been heard. You have open and courteous conversations that help you understand one another and form true bonds. When you have problems or concerns, you express them to yourself, not to others. You never criticize or moan behind each other’s backs.

3. Be respectful. Both parties understand that no one is perfect. You accept each other as they are. We focus too much on what we think or hope people will be, and while it’s important to realize how individuals may grow and change, clinging to who you expect someone to become will surely lead to disappointment and dissatisfaction.

4. Collaboration. If you want your relationships to work, you and the other person must both do your part—because it takes two to tango. You and your partner make decisions together and listen to each other’s concerns and preferences. You share your thoughts and opinions while remaining open to one another’s points of view. You collaborate with mutual trust and respect to achieve what you both require.

5. Joy. Laughter and play fuel healthy relationships. Nobody can be happy all of the time, but strong relationships elevate our spirits and make us feel loved and welcomed. Most people can frustrate or irritate us at times, but what important is the capacity to look past little differences and find reasons to enjoy each other’s presence.

6. Generosity. You show each other respect, regard, and compassion. You are pleasant and considerate in your communication. You are both really kind to one another. When we choose to invest in the needs of others, we have a huge impact.

7. The ability to forgive. When you can communicate how you feel and then let it go, you know you have a great relationship. You are capable of forgiving flaws and inadequacies. You help one another. You move on after learning from your experiences.