Definitions for the Five Key Elements for Your Dream Romantic Relationship 

 TRUST/COMMITMENT – a firm belief in the loyalty, reliability, being there for you, having your best interests at heart by your partner, dedication to creating a mutually joyful and fulfilling relationship

 COMMUNICATION – attention to both the content and impact of both verbal and non-verbal communication, the intent to really listen to each other, focus on developing an “appreciative understanding” of your partner’s points of view, needs and wants

HONESTY – truthfulness, sincerity, frankness, not lying by omission, not deceitful

 RESPECT – holds your partner in high regard, values and accepts partner for who he/she is

 LOVE/AFFECTION/SEX – deep committed love, romantic/sexual attraction to your partner, affectionate behavior

 You can see that these 5 elements, which are necessary for creating the relationship that you yearn for, are intertwined with each one affecting the others.

• If you are not confident that your partner is committed to the relationship at the same or greater level than you are then it’s more difficult to trust them
• If you experience your partner as being dishonest either by commission or omission that also affects your trust in them and creates a barrier to having helpful, open communication.
• Poor communication or lack thereof affects all of the other elements
• Feeling not respected by your partner also affects your trust
• Lack of trust in turn makes it less likely that partners will engage in open, honest, helpful communication

And so it goes with each element either supporting or negatively impacting one another.

When you care for and cultivate your relationship it is transformed into the joyful, loving, and resilient romantic relationship of your dreams.