We are the sum total of all the relationships we forge in our lifetime – past, present and future. Yes, that is how important relationships are. But why? Because relationships affect us emotionally, mentally and spiritually.

Our thought processes can be permanently affected by the people we meet and spend time with. That is why it is said – A man is known by the company he keeps.

So it goes without saying that if you have great relationships, you will become great as a person. If you have mediocre or poor relationships, that’s what your personality will shape up to be.

But what makes for a great relationship? Just these three things:

Open Communication

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Importance of communication cannot be stressed enough in any situation. Imagine a situation where you are in a place where you do not know the local language. How do you find your way to the nearest tourist place? You try to ask around using sign languages and names of places that are same in all languages. So basically, as language fails you, you try to find other ways of communications. But communicate you must.

In a relationship too you need not communicate only be speaking. A nod of the head, a wave of the hand, an emotion in the eyes, facial expressions and body language – all these connect you with the other person. So if you feel you are not passing negative things by being quiet, think again. Your vibes are reaching and touching the other person more forcefully than mere words.

Complete Trust

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For any relationship to succeed, there should be complete trust.

If you share your notes with a friend for a lecture she missed, you must share more than 100%. Besides the note jotted down you need to discuss your take on the whole lecture for her to understand fully.

Similarly, if you are sharing your past with your partner, be completely honest. You cannot choose to be selectively honest. It will only end up boomeranging on you in future.

A relationship that is not built on complete trust is destined to be doomed. Sooner rather than later.

Mutual Respect

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You must respect your near and dear ones for what they are. You cannot call someone a friend and then bitch behind her back. You cannot do business with a partner thinking you are superior to her in business acumen, entrepreneurship and the like. If you are superior, why couldn’t you find someone better?

If you revel in demeaning your partner, finding fault with their every action, your own life will become miserable and your relationship a burden.

So stop putting yourself on a pedestal. Leave that for others. If you are worthy, you will be given your right place.

Instead, concentrate on building great relationships and make life more meaningful. And keep coming back here for more on building relationships.

What are the other ingredients of a successful relationship. Tell me in the comments below.