Serious relationships are built and sustained not only on heartfelt feelings, but also on the degree to which partners are willing to give up a part of their lives to each other. The sharing component often is lost in the "new view" of relationships. However, a successful relationship whether it leads to marriage or not requires trust, responsibility, communication, productive partners, realistic world views, cultural knowledge and compatibility discipline, clear definition of fathering, mothering in parenting and supportive extended family. I think two of the most essential values that we must employ in relationship are listening and patience. I will always listen to you and I understand that sometimes listening needs to be done at times when I may least feel up-to it. But I will try to put myself in your space and open my ears and mind to the destruction or beauty in your day.