Relationship factors: 10 things that are more important in a relationship than sex

Have you ever wondered about what keeps a relationship running smoothly? People often wonder why some relationships fail while some stay strong for years. But we often forget that little drops of water make a mighty ocean. Sex is one of the ten most important things in a relationship than sex. All these together essentially form the basis of a relationship. A couple’s relationship becomes stronger when all these elements are focused on.

You might question me, “What if there’s a lack of sex in a relationship?” Sexless marriages or relationships are troublesome, but even that relationship gets stronger if certain important things are taken care of. The chances of improving your sex life also improve when these things are focused on. Hence these things become more important than sex in a relationship.

These things are more important in a relationship than sex

Of course, sex is important in a relationship. Couple relationships often get strained due to the lack of sex. But there are other things as well that needs maintenance for a happy relationship. Let us have a look at them.

1. Open communication

Be free and frank with your partner. Share as much as possible and exchange ideas often to better understand. For lasting happiness, the relationship should be as close as possible without restricting the other. Our unspoken rules and attitudes towards certain things send a kind of restricting message to our partner. If open communication exists, such blockages will not suffer the relationship.

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2. Happiness in relationship

In a relationship, mutual happiness is important. Happiness is never complete without having your partner relish it completely. Become aware of your happiness and share it with your partner. Tell how you feel and why it makes you feel so. This enjoyment gets doubled if shared and enjoyed together.

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3. Sticking to each other

We don’t mean that you should do everything absolutely together. Every person in this world is different in certain aspects from others. Commonly, our partner has varied interests. Even though you have zero interest in that genre, you can always support your partner. You can give importance to your partner’s ideas and interests. A relationship needs to have a mutual feeling of support for each other.

4. Befriend your partner

People often say that you should marry a friend. But being friends with your partner helps your relationship in the long run. No relationship issues would occur if you could be a team and cooperate well like best friends. Understanding and cooperating make you the best pair.

5. Relationship is Trust

In case there is any kind of infidelity issues between you both, it becomes difficult to trust your partner. But if there exists a doubt that your partner might cheat on you in the long run, that becomes a problem. Having blind faith is often helpful for both. Trusting your partner is important in a relationship.

If there are any infidelity issues, it is good to talk to each other openly. Arguments will not work at all. An argument involves emotions, while a discussion involves sharing information. If it gets difficult for you to trust your partner and to handle the tensions, then make sure to take the help of a psychologist or relationship therapist.

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Relationship Health Indicators

Indicator	Healthy Sign	Warning Sign	Suggested Action
Communication	Open, honest, and regular.	Avoidance, lies, or frequent misunderstandings.	Seek to improve communication skills; consider counseling.
Conflict Resolution	Conflicts are resolved constructively.	Conflicts escalate or remain unresolved.	Learn conflict resolution strategies; possibly seek mediation.
Mutual Respect	Both partners feel valued and respected.	Disrespectful behavior or language.	Address the disrespect directly; reinforce boundaries.
Independence	Each partner has space and freedom outside the relationship.	Overdependence or controlling behavior.	Encourage personal hobbies and time apart.
Intimacy	Emotional and physical intimacy are satisfying.	Lack of intimacy or connection.	Discuss needs and desires openly; consider professional help if needed.
Shared Values	Core values and goals align.	Significant differences in values or life goals.	Have an open discussion about values and future plans.
Support System	Both have support from friends, family, or community.	Isolation from support networks.	Build or rebuild connections with others outside the relationship.
Fun and Laughter	Relationship includes joy and playfulness.	Little to no enjoyment or fun together.	Introduce activities that both enjoy; prioritize quality time.
Growth Mindset	Both partners are open to growth and change.	Resistance to change or growth.	Encourage personal and mutual development; be supportive.
Trust and Security	High levels of trust and feeling secure.	Jealousy, insecurity, or mistrust.	Work on building trust through consistent, supportive actions.

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6. Gifting New experiences

During the initial days of a relationship, it is common to experience the feeling of butterflies. But as the days go on, this feeling gets weaker and weaker. We start taking the existence of our partner for granted. With this, we don’t feel like adding any extra effort to make the evenings special. But surprising the partner with small gifts occasionally and gifting new experiences can rejuvenate the relationship.

7. Listen more

For a good relationship, empathy towards your partner is important. Whenever a difference of opinion arises, try to think from your partner’s perspective. It helps you understand what they mean when they say something. Listening more is a good habit for a better relationship. Also, rather than arguing your point, say it calmly, logically and analytically to make your partner understand.

8. Laugh together

Having a good time with your loved ones will increase mental peace and efficiency. A good sense of humour attracts people around. Having fun moments with family or your partner can increase bonding. Make it a point to keep everything vibrant and active when you are around. It is important to keep the people in our life happy. And, when you both share laughter, those moments get brighter.

9. Never take them for granted

Once people get into a committed relationship, they think the partner will stay there for them, anyways. Giving importance to career and other things can often decrease a partner’s interest. And this slowly makes you drift towards any other way, which can lead to cracks in a relationship. Hence it is important to feel grateful for having them in your life. Developing gratitude can help you to understand their perspective in a better way. Such an understanding keeps the relationship healthy.

10. Apologize when needed

Many couples fight due to ego issues. If an argument arises and a person knows inside that there could be some mistake on their part, they should apologize. This apology need not be so dramatic. Rather, it should be analytic. You can clearly explain why you felt so and what has happened. In the same way, the partner should be able to patiently wait and listen to understand and approve the apology. The relationship suffers if the ego comes in between and nobody wants to draw their foot back.

Summary and Emphasis on Relationship Essentials

Essential Element	Importance	Common Neglect	Impact of Neglect
Open Communication	Facilitates understanding and conflict resolution.	Avoiding discussions about feelings or concerns.	Leads to misunderstandings and unresolved issues.
Happiness	Mutual joy strengthens the bond.	Prioritizing individual happiness over shared joy.	Decreases emotional connection and shared experiences.
Support	Provides a sense of security and belonging.	Failing to show interest or assistance in partner’s endeavors.	Feels isolating, diminishing trust and mutual respect.
Friendship	Builds a foundation of companionship and mutual respect.	Treating the partner more as an obligation than a friend.	Erodes the sense of teamwork and enjoyment in being together.
Trust	Essential for emotional safety and security.	Breaches of trust or failure to believe in one’s partner.	Creates a rift, fostering suspicion and insecurity.
New Experiences	Keeps the relationship fresh and exciting.	Settling into routine without seeking new activities together.	Leads to boredom and a feeling of stagnation.
Listening	Shows care and respect for the partner’s thoughts and feelings.	Interrupting, not paying attention, or dismissing concerns.	Partner feels undervalued and unheard, weakening the bond.
Laughter	Bonds through joy and relieves stress.	Rarely sharing moments of humor or joy.	Misses out on deepening the connection and creating happy memories.
Gratitude	Acknowledging the partner’s value and contributions.	Taking the partner for granted without expressing appreciation.	Diminishes the partner’s sense of worth and satisfaction.
Apologies	Heals wounds and shows responsibility.	Refusing to apologize or acknowledge one’s mistakes.	Builds resentment and hinders the healing process.

If you think it is impossible to have a good relationship though you do all this, you need to understand where the issue lies. A relationship expert or a relationship therapist can help you in this regard. Every relationship needs some work from both partners. Know what you need to do for the betterment of your relationship. Book an appointment with your relationship expert soon!

Conclusion

The foundation of a strong relationship is built on ten critical elements: open communication, mutual happiness, mutual support, friendship, trust, sharing new experiences, listening, laughter, never taking each other for granted, and the ability to apologize. These components are essential for maintaining a healthy and robust relationship, providing a solid base to improve not only the emotional and psychological connection between partners but also any sexual issues that might arise. By prioritizing these aspects, couples can enhance their understanding and appreciation of each other, ensuring a lasting and meaningful partnership.

Understanding the importance of these relationship factors underscores the value of resources like WellnessHub. WellnessHub can play a pivotal role in providing couples with the tools, knowledge, and support they need to cultivate these crucial elements in their relationships. Whether it’s through accessing articles, workshops, or counseling services, WellnessHub offers a comprehensive platform for individuals and couples seeking to strengthen their relationships. By leveraging such resources, couples can gain insights into effective communication strategies, conflict resolution, and ways to deepen their emotional connection, thereby reinforcing the significance of maintaining a healthy balance between physical intimacy and the foundational aspects of a strong relationship.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. What is more important than sex in a relationship?

While sex is an important aspect of intimacy in a relationship, elements such as open communication, mutual happiness, support, friendship, trust, sharing new experiences, listening, sharing laughter, gratitude, and the willingness to apologize play a more critical role in building a strong, enduring partnership.

2. How can open communication improve my relationship?

Open communication fosters a deeper understanding and connection between partners. By freely sharing thoughts, feelings, and concerns, couples can resolve conflicts more effectively, strengthen their bond, and ensure that both partners feel heard and valued.

3. Why is friendship important in a relationship?

Being friends with your partner lays a foundation of mutual respect, understanding, and support. It allows you to enjoy shared interests, navigate challenges cooperatively, and create a strong bond that transcends romantic love alone.

4. How can I build trust in my relationship?

Building trust involves being honest, reliable, and transparent with your partner. It requires both partners to uphold their commitments, communicate openly about their feelings and concerns, and demonstrate consistent behavior over time.

5. What new experiences can benefit my relationship?

Introducing new experiences can rejuvenate your relationship by breaking the routine and creating shared memories. This can range from trying new hobbies, traveling to new places, or even exploring new cuisines together, which can all contribute to a deeper connection and mutual enjoyment.

6. How important is laughter in a relationship?

Laughter is crucial in a relationship as it promotes joy, eases tension, and strengthens the bond between partners. Sharing moments of humor and joy can improve mental well-being and create lasting memories, enriching the relationship.

7. What should I do if I take my partner for granted?

Recognizing that you’ve taken your partner for granted is the first step towards change. It’s essential to express gratitude, show appreciation for the small things, and actively participate in your partner’s life and interests. This can help rekindle your connection and ensure your partner feels valued.

8. How can apologizing benefit my relationship?

Apologizing when necessary demonstrates humility, responsibility, and the willingness to grow from mistakes. It can help heal wounds, restore trust, and open up a dialogue for understanding and forgiveness, which are key to a healthy relationship.

9. Can a relationship survive without sex?

Yes, a relationship can survive without sex if it is rich in other crucial aspects like emotional intimacy, mutual respect, and strong communication. However, addressing any underlying issues affecting your sex life is important, and seeking professional advice may be beneficial.

10. How can WellnessHub help improve my relationship?

WellnessHub offers a variety of resources and services, such as counseling, workshops, and articles, aimed at enhancing relationship health. By accessing these resources, couples can gain valuable insights into effective communication, conflict resolution, and ways to deepen their emotional connection, helping to sustain a healthy and fulfilling relationship.

About the Author:

Prapoorna Mangalampalli

M.Sc., M.A., (Dual Masters in Psychology & English) – Counselor (6+ years of experience)

Prapoorna armed with a passionate dedication fueled by dual Master’s degrees in Psychology and English, Prapoorna sheds light on and elevates human experiences. Over 6+ years of experience fuel her insightful approach to counseling, offering profound empathy and guidance across diverse areas like online, marital, relationship, child, family, and career counseling.

At Wellness Hub, she thrives in a team environment that values innovation, compassion, and achieving results for their clients.

Connect with Prapoorna to learn how she can help you or your loved one find their voice and build a brighter future.