What defines a successful relationship???

Over on Honey and Lance, the community at large has been asked to participate in a contest of sorts. A blog off, so to speak.

The topic?

 

“How do you define successful relationships, and what does it take to achieve that success?”

 

Ok, a successful relationship huh?

The reason we are all here, the reason we blog incessantly, the reason we drink, the reason we do other sundry nasty things to ourselves….yes, love.

Now, despite the fact that I have yet to find this holy grail does not mean that I don’t know what it takes. (but I sure as hell know what it DOESN’T take)

 

 

So, here goes, my definition,

But I must use an example, a wee story first.

Once upon a time, a young pretty girl, approximately 16 years old, was working as a waitress at a local diner. It was WWII. Many young strapping boys came in, full uniform, for a coffee whilst on leave. The base was not far from said diner, so there was a pretty steady stream of eligible handsome gents. Full of piss and vinegar, ready to take on the world.

One day this girl, we’ll call her Sue, was standing taking a break with a couple of her waitress friends, when in walks a particularly good looking boy, about 22, in uniform.

He had the devil in his eyes, and a smile that would melt popsicles on sight.

We’ll call him Bob for now.

Her friends dared her to whistle at him, and she, being the war-time-broad that she was, whistled…of course!

He turned around, took one look at her and swore, without even speaking to her (yet) that he was going to marry that girl.

One problem, he was betrothed to another.

The very next day, he broke off his engagement, much to the chagrin of his ex fiancee’s father. He immediately started courting Sue.

 

That was over 60 years, 4 children, 10 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren, debt, heart attacks, various houses, various jobs, deaths and drama ago.

 

He still pats her butt and grabs a kiss whenever he gets to sneak it in there, and she still fusses over him incessantly.

 

The point?

-Lust/Attraction

-Commitment

-Respect

-Love

 

This is what builds, maintains and defines a successful relationship.

Like giant puzzle pieces, if one goes, the rest is useless.

You must be committed to keeping all of those aspects alive and well, and be respectful  of the other at all times, putting their feelings above your own on occasion, and you must nurture and keep alive that attraction that first drew you to them.

But most importantly, you must love, because when all is said and done, at the end of the road, that person beside you is the only one left, the only one that has been there since your story started. The only one who knows and loves you like no one else ever will.

 

 

Oh and that couple? My Grandparents…..guess Grampa would have been considered quite the player if he were doing that these days huh?

 

I get my Cheek from Gram and my naughty behaviour from Gramp…

quite the combo don’t you think?

;-)