If everyone already knew how to make a relationship work then everyone would still be with the first person they fell in love with. Obviously this just isn't the case. It can take some people years of frustration and heartache to learn how to make a relationship work. Even then your relationship won't last unless you are prepared to put what you have learned into practice.
A relationship needs to be nurtured from day one. If you have just met someone that you feel strongly about and you want to know how to make the relationship work then the first thing you need to realize is that it is not easy. In order to have a fulfilling romantic relationship with another individual you must follow three basic rules.
Put In The Effort
People who know how to make a relationship work know that it takes effort. You need to do whatever is necessary to be with the other person, within reason.
A relationship is like a bank account. If you keep put more money into the bank than you take out then eventually you will be financially comfortable. Conversely if you persistently draw out more than you put in then your bank account will soon be empty.
In a relationship, if you expect more than you are willing to give your partner, they will soon realize there is nothing in it for them. If you both put the work into your relationship then it will blossom and grow. The key is to put more into the relationship than you expect to get back in return.
Stick To Your Principles
Couples that have been together for years know that in order to be with the one you love you can't sacrifice your values and principles. Too many people feel taken for granted, abused or neglected by their partner but do not speak up for fear of losing the relationship. They let their values slide and don't stand up for themselves. This will only result in resentment building up and festering until you eventually explode because you can't take it anymore.
Couples who know how to make a relationship work tell each other when there is something they are unhappy or uncomfortable with. This gets things into the open, which is often all that is required to resolve the situation.
Make Time To Be Together
Happily married couples who have been together for years and know how to make a relationship work understand the importance of friendship. Your partner should not just be the person you go to bed with. He or she should also be someone you can laugh, cry and debate with. Your partner should be the person with whom you explore new places and try new experiences. If you know how to make a relationship work you will make time to hang out with the person you love even if you work eighty hours per week.