1. Acceptance. Too many people talk about tolerance, but great couples don’t “tolerate” each other’s quirks and differences — they accept them. They celebrate their similarities AND their unique differences. They recognize that if you can find someone who addresses 60 percent of your wants and needs, you’re truly lucky/blessed. Acceptance makes you and your partner both feel safe to share your true selves. You don’t fear judgment, because you aren’t being judged.
2. Honesty and trust. Being honest is mostly an individual decision, based on self-worth, self-confidence, and knowing you/your actions are accepted — even with flaws and mistakes. Trust follows when each person has undeniable faith that they can believe the other person — unequivocally.