Any relationship—whether it is love, professional or family—will quickly fade if the individuals involved do not take the time to maintain it. By allowing the relationship to grow weak and fall apart, people can end up either feeling trapped, lonely or frustrated. That alone could unnecessarily end an association. The same attributes apply to all healthy relationships, and fortunately, most of these attributes are lessons learned as children. By recognizing the relationship and instilling these lessons into it, you will strengthen your bond.

Communication

Communication is the base of every relationship and situation. Without it, neither party knows how the other feels. Keep your communication clear and calm; the person with whom you’re talking will understand you better and you will convey your thoughts more thoroughly. By refraining from aggressive words and tones, the other party will listen more closely to what you have to say and might be more apt to comply with your needs. Using blame and sarcasm only results in toxic communication and failed relationships.

Respect

As kindergartners, you learned to respect other people’s space, feelings and personal property. When two people respect each other, they prove that they value and accept each other. Respect means always listening to what the other person has to say when they communicate their thoughts and desires, and being comfortable talking openly with each other. Share space with one another, but do not interfere or try to control another person’s space and privacy. By respecting each other, you build a strong and healthy relationship in which you both feel safe.

Patience

Before children even begin kindergarten, they start to learn the lesson of patience from their parents and themselves. No one finds it easy to trust a person automatically, but when you see someone has remained patient with you, you feel safer and become more likely to receive their attention. It can be challenging to be patient while living in a world of convenience in which people receive the things they want, when they want them. However, by giving patience in a relationship, you establish a positive rapport. As an attribute, patience does not necessarily mean waiting for a person to finish their job or do their nails. Patience in a relationship lets another person prove himself; in hard times, you give him a chance to correct himself.