People generally don’t have any idea of what a relationship actually is; they can’t define one very well. When I wanted to learn how to help people who were suffering in their marriage relationship I searched for applicable definitions. But I couldn’t find anything that adequately defined a relationship. I realized how important it is to define something before you can determine whether it is in good shape or not. There must be some measure that you can hold up other relationships to and make a comparison.

Ask yourself, “What attributes reflect a perfect marital relationship?” Please don’t imagine that perfect is not possible; it is. Some of the attributes you might come up with may be slightly different from what others come up with, but there will be definite similarities.

1) Mutual consideration
2) Mutual adoration
3) Mutual appreciation
4) Loyalty from both partners
5) Mutual graciousness

The above five attributes I have listed are like rays of light that generate from the core of love. They are the ways to express love and they define your feelings for the person you chose to be your best friend and closest companion for the rest of your lives. I went to great lengths to describe marital relationships to those who came to me for my help and when I wrote Lessons For A Happy Marriage. Once you have a clear definition it is very easy to know what the relationship needs in order to be healthy.

Always remember to tell your spouse, “I love you.”