Love Is Just The Start - Here's What Matters

Let me be real - relationships aren't always smooth sailing. They're messy, sometimes frustrating, and definitely a lot of work. But if you're with the right person, they're also some of the most rewarding parts of life.

What five things make up a good (spousal) relationship, list and explain them.

I thought about what actually makes a relationship work - not just the "honeymoon phase" kind of stuff, but what keeps couples together through thick and thin. Here's my take:

1. Trust - The quiet anchor
It's hard to explain just how important trust is until it's gone. Truth isn't just about not lying or cheating. It's feeling safe with someone. It's knowing you can be yourself (flaws and all), be honest, vulnerable and still be accepted. It's the quiet confidence that your partner's got your back, even when life gets hard. Without trust, every little misunderstanding can turn into something big. But with it? You've got something strong.

2. Communication - More than just words
I know this sounds like a cliché, but it's true: communication can either hold a relationship together or quietly tear it apart. You don't have to be a perfect communicator. Most of us aren't. But being willing to talk, explain how you feel, and to really listen when your partner does the same? That's everything. Even just saying, "Hey, I'm not okay" can open the door to fixing something before it turns into a wall between you two.

3. Respect - Because love alone isn't enough
You can love someone and still not treat them right if respect is missing. Respect means you value your partner - not just when things are sweet, but even you disagree. It's not belittling them, not crossing boundaries, and remembering they're a whole person with thoughts and dreams of their own. And respect shows up in the little things: the way you speak to each other, the way you fight (yes, even that), and the way you support each other's dream.

4. Commitment - The quiet choice to stay and work through it
Real love isn't loud or dramatic all the time. Sometimes it's in the little things - choosing to stay even when it's not fun, doing the work when it would be easier to walk away, putting in the effort because you want to make it work. Commitment isn't always glamorous, but it's powerful.

5. Love and Affection - The little things that mean the most
At the end of the day, we all want to feel loved. A quick kiss, a long hug, a "thinking of you" text... these small gestures keep the connection alive. It's easy to forget them when life gets busy, but they matter more than we realize.

Every relationship has its ups and downs, but when these five things are in place -even imperfectly- there's a much better chance it'll not only last, but feel good too. These five things won't make it perfect, but they'll help build something strong and lasting. It's not always easy, but it's always worth it.

photos are mine