Relationships do not thrive without attention. It takes two people who focus on each other’s needs. It takes two people who believe in each other and validate each other. It takes two people who want to love each other and who continually approve of each other which allow the vulnerability necessary to be honest about their personal needs.
Vulnerability and connection are two of the elements necessary to keep a relationship from becoming just another obligation. It is necessary for both people to grow. It is more important to remain totally honest with each other and to consistently be vulnerable with each other, sharing disappointments, mistakes, failures, bad judgment, and joy without judgments. Without that vulnerability, each of them becomes separate. They are no longer bound together. They are simply two individuals dealing with their challenges in life individually. From that point on, the relationship will suffer.