Real love involves making decisions together -- not making decisions for the other person, or allowing them to be made for you. In such a relationship, partners choose their path together. While remaining independent people, they seek out each other's agreement on choices that affect them both.

When they don't agree, they communicate and explore ways to find agreement. This is a challenging part of a healthy relationship, involving maturity, patience, and a willingness to learn. When couples commit to discussing and wrestling with their hopes and fears, wants and needs, they commit to a deeper love that can make them both better people.

Consensus isn't easy. It requires both partners to be trustworthy and willing to trust. If one person's trust has been broken -- either by this partner or by someone in the past -- it may take time before a consensus- and trust-based relationship can be achieved.

About LifeTips

Now one of the top on-line publishers in the world, LifeTips offers tips to millions of monthly visitors. Our mission mission is to make your life smarter, better, faster and wiser. Expert writers earn dough for what they know. And exclusive sponsors in each niche topic help us make-it-all happen.

Ask a Question

Not finding the advice and tips you need on this Relationship Tip Site? Request a Tip Now!

Guru Spotlight

Barbara Gibson

Ever wonder how you could make your life better and more fun? So have tens of millions of fans who have turned to LifeTips for answers over the past decade. We keep the tips, advice, books, podcasts and writing services flowing, so you can keep your life and business growing in the right direction. Upward!