Compassion, compromise and communication are the three most important ingredients in every relationship. Without these, partners will fail to air their grievances or adjust to living with each other. Each person will harbor resentments and hurts until they are unable to keep them bottled up, and this is generally when arguments begin. Arguing from pain or anger often results in hurting both partners, and the relationship will continue to go downhill from that point.

Understanding a partner's needs is not always easy, but making the effort is important to the relationship. The ability to compromise on some issues is a way for both people to be able to find a middle ground, and each will feel they have contributed. Communication is a key ingredient to any relationship, and it is even more important for a couple. Remembering and applying these key ingredients will help a long term relationship become a success.