One of the things that Chris and I have that demonstrates to me that we'll make it long term is our communication skills. I have never been in a relationship where I've been able to work through things like this one. I think it's because of his personality and how he can express what he's thinking or feeling in a way that doesn't rile me up.
I'm just amazed by it and so thankful.
I, too, am very grateful that my longterm partner and I can communicate in such a way that we both feel respected, heard, understood and trusted. Issues that come up can be dealt with so that both of us win. Of course, we had to learn certain ways of communicating. These same principles we now apply to any other interpersonal relationships, eg. friends, colleagues, family, bosses, you name it. These skills have opened up so much freedom for me in interacting with others.
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