The Value of Trust and Respect in a Relationship

The Value Of Trust and Respect In A Relationship

While attending a recent wedding shower, after a gift was opened, the giver was asked to pass on some advice to the soon to-be-married bride. There were many very good suggestions but one that kept coming back to me was the importance of ‘trust’ and ‘respect’ within a relationship.

I believe that without these two very important components, a relationship is little more than two people sharing the same address. We can share space with anyone but it won’t necessarily be a relationship.

What things are necessary for us to feel so that we can trust our partners? What makes us feel as if we are respected by our partners?

- Do you feel that you can count on your partner when you are in need of their emotional support?
- Do they align themselves with someone else against you?
- Do they appreciate you as a person and for what you do?
- Can they be counted on as a friend as well as your partner?
- Is it an equal relationship with a good balance of give and take?
- Do you get anything from the relationship in terms of feeling good when you are with them?
- Do you trust them not to hurt you and not to take advantage of you?
- Do they treat you fairly?
- Do you always feel sure of their loyalty?
- Do they take your side against others?
- Do they lie to you?
- Can they be counted on to care about your feelings when you’re feeling unhappy?
- Do they respect your needs, wishes and opinions?
- Do they often criticize you?
- Do they make you feel loved?

Some of these issues can be remedied with communication which I believe should be listed in the top three important requirements in a relationship. But many cannot; lying is one such issue. Can they ever be trusted again after they’ve been caught lying several times? Not being loyal would be another issue that would be difficult to resolve through communication.

I believe if a relationship can be saved and both are willing to work at it, it is important to do so. But no one should feel that they must live in an unhappy or unhealthy relationship.