The Ingredients Of A Happy Relationship

September 22, 2017

I am always amazed when I read what so called experts in relationships consider the key factors that make a happy relationship.

I have long thought that people today, especially the younger generation jump into relationships much too quickly. It seems to me that as quick as people meet each other, they are moving in together and possibly having a baby. This all happens before you have had any chance to get to know each other and have a better understanding if you’re actually compatible. Before you know it, you’ve split up and you’re left to re-build your life, which I can tell you from experience is very tough. You’re left with so many insecurities and absolutely no confidence and so often you’re in a bad place for a period of time.

I’m far from an expert in relationships, but I do believe there are a number of things that without them relationships simply don’t stand a chance. So here it goes.

1. Trust: Without trust no relationship will work and I know that one of the reasons my wife and I have complete trust in each other. I quite simply would trust my wife with my life. Although spending at Amazon OMG! That’s another completely different story. Haha!

2. Compromise: In a relationship you really do need to know when to be less stubborn and compromise over a decision. Even if it’s not entirely what you want. You will be a lot happier couple if you can meet your partner halfway. Even in my relationship when my wife says we are doing this that or the other. Of course we are honey lol! I know my place!

3. Sharing: In today’s fast moving world it’s important to slow down, take time out and share those good moments in life that make wonderful memories, they can’t be repeated. Moments as a family spending time together, enjoying each other’s company. There is no doubt regret over those special moments will haunt you forever.

4. Respect: Respecting your partner in life. If I am honest should just be there naturally. You should never disrespect your partners decisions, and you should always be each others equal.

5. Laughing: The most important ingredient in any relationship for me is laughter, combined with smiling and having fun. Laughing I believe is what keeps you happy. It’s having the ability to laugh at each others ways, but in a pleasant way and of course naturally finding it funny. So often we lose that feeling of fun. The chances are it’s what attracted us to each other in the first place. My wife and I have always said it was that first smile that started our relationship and we haven’t lost that. We still make each other laugh. I’m also a believer that happy parents make happy children. There is no better ingredient in a home than laughter.

6. The Bedroom: Well its for sleeping isn’t it, especially when you have babies, toddlers and small children! Now the sofa, that’s the place to get up close and intimate when the kids are in bed! Of course there is doubt that if this part is not compatible between the two of you, your relationship will struggle at some point.

7. Love: This is the most important ingredient in any relationship. Well that’s what I believe. I also believe there is a difference between loving someone and being in love with someone, and I am totally in love with my wife.

Of course all relationships struggle at times, which is when you can seek out some marriage counselling, to help you both put things back on the right track.

Thats my ingredients that I think make a relationship work and be successful. They really are very simple and we have been together 12 years and we are as happy today as we were when we first met.

I would love to know what you think makes a relationship work.

19 Comments

  • Lisa – Little Orange Dog

    September 22, 2017 at 7:52 am

    Do you know what Nige? That is the single most sensible list of relationship advice I have read for some time. Trust is absolutely number 1. If you don’t trust your partner jealousy creeps in then it’s downhill from there. #thatfridaylinky x

  • Tom Cox

    September 22, 2017 at 8:49 am

    Yes to all o these. They are all so true! I have been with my husband 16 years and i swear we work just because we have a sense of humour and understanding of each others needs and goals!

  • Warren

    September 22, 2017 at 9:00 am

    Everything rings true. We celebrate 20 years this week so must be doing something right

  • David @ DadvWorld

    September 22, 2017 at 10:14 am

    We’re on the same schedule Nigel! I’ve just linked up my top tip for a happy marriage 🙂

    You know the crack mate, it’s clear to see how happy you and Emily are and these tips would improve any marriage, good work.

  • Kiri

    September 22, 2017 at 12:15 pm

    Absolutely, a relationship needs all of these. Yet people stay together when they don’t trust or respect each other – it doesn’t make for a very happy family life. #thatfridaylinky

  • Jaki

    September 22, 2017 at 12:30 pm

    Ah this is lovely Nige. Congrats on 12 years! #thatfridaylinky

  • Mama Grace

    September 22, 2017 at 5:58 pm

    Listening is key for me. It doesn’t mean you have to agree but to listen to the other person, receive and reply. #ThatLinkyFriday

  • Chloe

    September 22, 2017 at 7:24 pm

    Hi, all of these are indeed key to a happy relationship compromise and laughter are elements that hopefully are fairly evenily balanced #thatfridaylinky

  • Jo – Pickle & Poppet

    September 22, 2017 at 10:12 pm

    completely agree with this list. I think it is crazy when people have children so early on in the relationship. Great post! #ThatFridayLinky

  • Alan Herbert

    September 23, 2017 at 3:11 am

    Great list Nige.

    I’d add having your own interests. You have to have something to talk about besides the kids and what happened in Corrie.

    Thanks for hosting

    #thatfridaylinky

  • Jade – Raw Childhood

    September 23, 2017 at 1:15 pm

    I have to admit that me and Kevin met when I was 16 and he was 24. We moved in together straight away and everybody told me “it won’t work” “he’s too old for you” etc etc but here we are 9 years later with 2 little boys and another on the way. #thatfridaylinky

  • Musings of a tired mummy…zzz…

    September 24, 2017 at 9:04 am

    These are all so true! Relationships take time and effort to work #thatfridaylinky

  • jeremy@thirstydaddy

    September 24, 2017 at 5:28 pm

    seems so simple when you put it like that, doesn’t it? yet, somehow we still find ways to make it hard..#thatfridaylinky

  • Susie/So Happy In Town

    September 26, 2017 at 11:02 am

    Laughing – that’s the biggest for me. Mr S.H.I.T. makes me laugh so much sometimes that my cheeks ache. And then I’ve never felt happier. #ThatFridayLinky

  • five little doves

    September 26, 2017 at 11:07 am

    Ahh I love this Nige, I am always so touched at the way that you speak about your wife, your love for her (and your children) just shines through. For me the biggest one is trust, having had one marriage end due to my trust being broken, it has taken me a long time to build that trust for someone again. Although love is a big one, without trust there really is no relationship at all. #thatfridaylinky

  • Jo @ Mummy Needs Wine

    September 26, 2017 at 4:09 pm

    I agree with you on all this. Your wife is very lucky! #thatfridaylinky

  • Lisa Pomerantz

    September 27, 2017 at 11:10 am

    I would add communication (good communication). And I read that kids laugh at least 400 times a day. Adults, only up to 15. Let’s amplify laughter! Nice post, and spot on! #ThatFridayLinky xoxo

  • Mrs Mummy Harris

    September 28, 2017 at 8:52 pm

    Trust and laughter for me are major points. I had an ex who used to get funny if I even touched his phone and it made me “that” paranoid girlfriend. Hubby is my best friend and we’re always laughing so I know once the “newness” fizzles out and we’re old, grey and wrinkly, we will sit there laughing together still! #thatfridaylinky

  • Dave – Dad’s Turn

    September 28, 2017 at 10:27 pm

    Agree with all of them, very true. And these things all do take time to develop and can’t be expected overnight. #thatfridaylinky

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