Anyone who is in a relationship will know that it can be sweet, but it takes a lot of work, especially if you want a strong, long-lasting one.
Displays of love such as flowers and sweet things are great, but that is not enough.
Love may be one of the most important ingredients in a relationship, but you have to add a mixture of things in order to make the relationship work, otherwise you will end up sitting in bed, sniffling and tearing up all day.
So exactly what else do you need other than love?
The Weekender asked readers on social media what their opinions were.
“Honesty and loyalty play a big role when it comes to relationships. In my opinion, I think love between two people won’t last without them being implemented,” Hanayi Shakes Bantwini commented.
Bonifasia Siteka had more to add to the conversation. “Commitment, constant and transparent communication and trust,” she said, “but above all, never put off that candle of romance because the first thing that made both parties fall in love will surely determine the length and strength of the relationship.”
This is an interesting way to look at it, wouldn’t you say?
For Simson Shinene, there’s something more material he would need to make a relationship work. “Money! No girl loves hunger!” Well… food is a game changer.
“Care, trust and respect are also crucial elements that put the relationship on the right track,” Jacobina Tuyakula said. After all, if you don’t respect your partner, how will they ever respect you?
Fiina David agreed and put communication at the top of her list, although other ‘ingredients’ were just as important. “With all the above mentioned things, the two in a relationship will not have problems, but above all is love and attention. We don’t always have to spoil our partners with gifts and all that, you just need to spoil your partner with love and attention.” Of course, a little TLC never hurt anyone!
“We need trust, respect and honesty as well,” Henock Pangeiko said. “Good communication is also a backbone to this.” Because if you can’t communicate to your partner how you feel, how would the relationship ever work, right? “Be romantic,” Facebook user SillentKiller GoodGirl Good Manners said.
“Romance is essential. Candlelight, watching the sun set or rise, fireworks, romantic bubble baths, showers and romantic dinners are good ideas.” In other words, turn up the love.
‘Omsai Yatate had something similar in mind. “Attention, communication, trust and encouraging one another about life and the future or any other positive advice that contributes to building a strong bond in the relationship.” Because if you can’t encourage your partner to be the best they can be, someone else will.
Rejoice Mboshono had this to say: “Honesty and loyalty should be the top priorities. In addition, you should also respect your partner in a relationship. Finish en klaar.”
“In a relationship, we only need love, strong love and trust me, all else (be it trust, honesty, communication, etc) will follow in the name of love. You just need to love fiercely and selflessly and all the magic will automatically come in the picture,” Asteria Frans stated. Note: ‘Fiercely’.
Julia Kapombo also felt trust and honesty werre important, along with other aspects. “Have time for each other, respect each other and above all, loyalty makes a good relationship. With those present in it, you will never regret accepting or meeting him or her.” It’s never good to have any regrets.
Sunny Imbili’s idea was more or less the same, involving trust, commitment and honesty, but Altina Manuel believed that you had to work on yourself. “For a relationship to work, you can only be yourself and hope that is enough to make the other person accept you for who you are.”
Christa Hange said “we need faithfulness, trust, honesty, loyalty, generosity, perseverance and persistence through thick and thin. With that, the relationship is ‘mwah’.” Note the kisses.
Panduleni Namugongo figured two letters of the alphabet were important. “Abstain and be faithful.”
Johannes Dennis, on the other hand, turned to religion. “She must be God-fearing and have no fake personalities, because it is not a soapie.” Sorry Telemundo fans. And there you have it.
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