Passion and infatuation are not enough to make a relationship last forever.
Few people realize that for a relationship to work and last, there needs to be more than just passion. Of course, there can be no relationship without it, but it is not the only thing that one should look for. Relationships that are based on infatuation will work until one begins to feel as though the other does not understand them, cannot communicate, or does not respect them. In other words, a partner needs to be more than just your lover:
1. They need to be your best friend.
Your partner should be your biggest cheerleader; they should be there to support you and encourage you when you cannot see the good in yourself. As best friends do, the two of you should be able to confide in each other without fearing judgement or criticism.
2. They need to accept you for who you are.
Being in love with someone who wants to change you is one of the most painful things you can experience as you will constantly feel like you are not good enough for them. The right person will accept all of your flaws and never ask you to change; they will fall in love with you for everything that you are – the good and the bad.
3. They need to make time for you.
When you are in a relationship, you need to be able to rely on your partner and know that if anything were to happen, they would drop everything just to come to you. A partner who is reliable, trustworthy, and aware of your value has more to offer than a lover does.
4. They need to clearly be invested in you.
The right person will not only make time for you but they will also do everything they can to keep the flame alive. They might surprise you, take you out for date nights, or offer to go on romantic, weekend getaways. All of these things prove that they are invested in you and your relationship.
5. They need to motivate you to pursue your dreams.
Upon hearing the dreams of their partners, many people tend to discourage them or tell them to be more realistic. In order for you to feel fulfilled in your relationship, your partner needs to be someone who pushes you to pursue your dreams – regardless of how big they may be.
Being in a relationship is about so much more than being infatuated. To be truly happy and to have a lasting partnership, you need to be with your best friend: the person who will encourage and support you unconditionally.
