Someone asked me last nite to list what I wanted out of a relationship-- this is something I have had in a drawer and thought I would share with all

There seems to be 4 means that make up satisfaction in realtionships. Although they can each be independant of the other, a good marriage needs to include all of these elements.

Friends- the area of friendship is crucial to couples. They need to be able to share, to visit, to make small talk to play together to just hang out.

Partners- they need to feel a sense of partnership with a fair division of labor and the ability to collaborate and trade off the messy dirty jobs and tasks

Sweetheart- The courting needs to continue The handholding, the verbal and physical affection- the affection that does NOT lead to sex. THe little notes and cards and phone calls. The dates- the dates are very important. People forget this.

Lovers- There needs to be a mutual expression of passion with each person feeling the freedon to initiate and express their likes and dislikes. Physical affection that does lead to sex but does not obligate one or both.

When the friendship is missing - we feel lonely.
When the sense of partnership is missing - we feel resentment.
When the feeling of of being sweethearts is missing - we feel deprived.
When the feeling of being lovers is missing- we feel frustrated.