What Makes a Fulfilling Relationship?

Three elements must be present for a fulfilling relationship, and its continuity to grow and flourish are:

• A Passionate Affair – Passion is the “thud in the chest”. One feels when a passionate relationship begins. We frequently associate this feeling with lust or sexual longing. And most also equate the same with intimacy. However, when the passion is gone, intimacy usually follows suit, and the relationship crumbles. This passion = intimacy formula is usually experienced in short romances, because there is no element of commitment. If there’s no commitment, what would the relationship be?

• Companionship – The formula for companionship as intimacy + commitment. This is mostly shared between elderly people. There maybe no more physical desire, but you can still see them walking hand in hand with each other. For this level of relationship, this kind of intimacy is quite high.

• Empty Love – When passion and intimacy dissipates, and what’s left is commitment, this is called empty love. Examples are couples who opt to stay under one roof despite a situation where the usual talking is not enjoyed anymore; there is no more sharing of thoughts with one another, and they are only staying together because of certain considerations such as the children.

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