What Makes a Fulfilling Romantic Relationship?

Sharon Morre November 07, 2014

Building a fulfilling, safe and secure intimate relationship is not an easy thing. But once achieved, it can significantly reduce feelings of loneliness and promote a higher sense of happiness and well-being. But what makes a fulfilling romantic relationship?

In a fulfilling connection, an individual shares his or her deepest emotions with someone else. It is a kind of relationship wherein experiences are accepted without judgement. One can count on honest, loving feedback and a ‘give and take’ relationship.

Whether you’re in a long-term relationship or looking for one, you probably are wondering of what makes a fulfilling romantic relationship.

Individual Fulfilment

Thinking that you need someone to complete you is not only wrong, it is also dangerous. It simply implies that you are inherently incomplete. It’s dangerous in a sense that it sets you up to a co-dependent relationship wherein your happiness depends on your partner and without him or her you will shatter. Don’t find someone to complete you. Before you enter a relationship, work out on completing yourself. A fulfilling relationship is one wherein both partners are capable of being happy, succeeding and making decisions on their own. This way, both of them can share happiness and success, and help each other make the right choices in life. Remember, when you are whole, you can give more. But when you are a ‘half-person’, you become needy and you tend to take from another in order to feel complete. And you know what the best part is? When you’re whole you also attract a whole person into your life, which opens your way to more fulfilling relationships.

Honesty

A fulfilling relationship is one that gives high regard to honesty. By not saying the truth, you are building a barrier between you and your significant other. Dishonesty ruins intimacy, trust and emotional connection. Instead, it spurs hatred, insecurity and pain. Being honest doesn’t mean giving unsolicited opinions, making assumptions or passing judgement. It means being able to express yourself in an honest and loving way.

Individual Freedom

A fulfilling relationship is one wherein couples help and support each other. While they have plans as a couple, they do not forget their individual goals and dreams. You are in a fulfilling relationship if you are able to spend worthwhile moments together and share experiences, but at the same time, have time to yourself and with other people. A relationship with jealousy and control is set to failure.

Acceptance

Everyone has strengths and weaknesses. What make us humans are our flaws and imperfections. A relationship without acceptance is never a fulfilling one. Accepting your significant other doesn’t mean you approve or agree, it only means that you acknowledge the reality.

Openness and Objectivity

Being able to express your feelings and allowing yourself to be vulnerable at times can promote intimacy. True intimacy is about letting your partner know about parts of you that are most difficult to share. In times of conflict, objectivity allows you to look at the situation from a third party’s point of view. This allows you to process your emotions with accuracy and come up with better solutions to the problem.

We all want the same thing about romantic relationships. We want it to be FULFILLING. But it’s something we can’t achieve in a snap. Building a fulfilling relationship takes effort. But it’s a challenge that is really worth taking.