2. Trust. Trust is what we do. Trust is established through, fidelity, loyalty, and respect. It is reinforced by the positive action a person takes for the good of the relationship. When actions are taken that violate trust, the relationship becomes unstable. Trust has to be earned. If trust has been broken, you can rebuild it by doing what you say. Your actions must line up with your words. We all have in us the ability to be trustworthy, but we have to value the relationship enough to allow it to come forth.
3. Affection. Affection tells the person in the relationship that they are loved. It has to be expressed in a positive way for it to be effective. Positive affection is established through positive touches. Touch is one of the most powerful of all the senses. The human body has over 30 thousand touch receptors located from the head to toe. These sensors are connected to nerves that are able to detect even the slightest touch. Positive touches include hand holding, hugging, and cuddling. These healthy interactions prevent a person from feeling like an object and more like a respected member of the relationships.
4. Effective communication. Effective communication is more than just talking to each other. It involves sharing goals and ambitions, hopes and aspirations, success and failures, and likes and dislikes. It is the opposite of arguing. Effective communication cannot be measured in the volume of words or by the length of the conversation. It exists when the words, thoughts, and ideas of both parties are respectfully received. It is the key element that holds all relationships together.
Continue to work on your personal development and seek out positive information about relationships. It is possible to divorce proof your marriage or relationship, but it does require work and the knowledge that you are the principle factor in your relationship equations. When you improve yourself, you make the potential for a long-lasting healthy relationship possible.
Timothy Houston is an author, minister, and motivational speaker who is committed to guiding positive life changes in families and communities. For questions, comments or more information, go to www.tlhouston.com.
