We accept that for any relationship to work, it takes time, energy and a lot of love. We all know it’s important to talk, and sexual attraction will always be a high factor in how we pick out our other half. But what are the two traits every successful long-term relationship shares? Couple therapist Amita Patel points to dedication being one of the underlying factors required to helping any pair go the distance. Patel says that a simple question can answer a lot of your questions on your other half’s feelings for you: “How committed are you to making this work?” Each partner's commitment to the relationship not only informs whether they will last, but the overall level of satisfaction and security felt by both partners. No relationship is perfect, but a happy long-term pairing means both people are willing to do what it takes to keep things on track. Which explains how the trait of empathy is the second characteristic required to see your relationship through its rough days. Empathy, or understanding and relating to someone’s feelings or perceptions, will help a couple make healthy resolutions to their arguments and fights. Patel explains that by taking the time to remove your own feelings from the situation and take your partner’s into consideration, you greatly increase the likelihood of embracing a supportive, communicative relationship. While it’s important to both air your grievances, relationships take two people – and two sets of emotions that need to line up. As always, keep the lines of communication open, and realise that every journey has a bump in the road. You just need to be willing to see there may be two ways around it. H/T mindbodygreen