Relationships: Honesty is the Key to Success

If someone were to ask me what I desire in a relationship, my answer would be rather short. Honesty is the key part of any relationship. As a 25 year old male in a relationship of almost 3 years, I can proudly say my girlfriend Jennifer and I have always been honest with each other from the beginning.

Past relationships and experiences are considered "black list" material by many of today's younger men and women, which could possibly create animosity from the start. Whether you are a man or a woman, curiosity of a significant others past will remain in question until this conversation is dealt with in a serious manner. I find it healthy to express the experiences we've faced and whether or not we have learned from those situations, but some argue their right to privacy "before" the relationship. I think it depends on the partner and how they feel about this situation. Some people live by their religious ethics and others live by morals and decisions in which they believe in. Religious or not, every person owns the right to choose the way they live their life.

Honesty does not just come into play when communicating about past experiences, but also with every thought and decision each and every day. Honesty doesn't have to be an intimate conversation or something that creates tension; it is a mean of truthfully describing how you feel. Whether your significant other wants to get some shopping done at the grocery store down the street or would like to see a flick at the theatre, being truthful about your feelings and your interest at that point in time is most important. A guy shouldn't feel like he can't stay home when he's had a rough day at work. A girlfriend or wife shouldn't have to prepare dinner every night after working all day long. Don't be afraid to tell each other how you're feeling, it's as simple as that.

Responsibility is another chapter in a relationship that seems to be overlooked with many of today's men and women. Unfortunately, cheating on a significant other seems to happen regularly and has become a staple with younger generations. Who knows why a person decides to risk one of the most important characteristics of a person for some "excitement" and an often misunderstood form of betrayal. Being dishonest and living a lie surely suggests insecurity and helplessness by the offending partner. Why not just end the relationship and go your own way instead of losing the trust of another? Personally, it does not make sense to look like a fool because cheaters eventually get caught. Information tends to surface sooner or later, so avoid dishonesty and sneaking around. It's a no win situation. Man or woman, there's no better way of creating trouble for yourself than this form of dishonesty.

Besides honesty and responsibility, I believe that a 50/50 relationship really does ease the strains of everyday life. Relationships have never been and never will be a easy. It takes both partners' energy and willingness to succeed. Whether it's dividing up responsibilities and chores, or just helping each other with odds and ends, sacrifice could be the most overlooked problem in relationships. One person paying the bills while the other stares at the television, simply won't work. Responsibilities are just that; responsibilities of both persons involved. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, bills, laundry, dishes, cleaning, home maintenance, children, pets, holidays and peace time are all things that need more than two hands. Split them up and try to enjoy the fact that you're helping to create a home instead of a disaster.

While I've only been in a relationship of almost 3 years, I realize I have a lifetime to go. Not every day will be easy, but I know for a fact that my girlfriend and I try our best to help each other in every way possible. We're honest, responsible and eager to share our experiences with our family and friends. I think the best advice for a successful relationship would be honesty, responsibility and the choice of happiness. A person chooses to be single, or to involve themselves in a relationship. A person must want to be in the particular situation in order for it to succeed. Choose a partner that shares your same thoughts and ideas. A relationship will never be free of arguments, nights alone on the couch, or the occasional threat of words because we're human. We live and learn and will continue to learn through our experiences. I think a person just needs to try their best and to work at improving themselves through all stages of life. Single or taken, it's your right to choose. Be honest with yourself and to the others around you, no matter the position or circumstance you're in.