By Chloe Laws 

Great relationships thrive on a strong foundation, and while every couple is different, certain relationship priorities are universal and can make all the difference when it comes to long-term happiness. Prioritizing the right things can deepen your bond, build trust, and help you navigate challenges together. 

Research from the journal Nature has found that partners, on average, share up to 89% of traits, including deeper values such as politics, and also experiences such as smoking and sex drive. “There are very few traits where opposites actually do attract,” Jared Balbona, co-author of the paper and a postdoctoral associate at the University of Colorado Boulder Institute for Behavioral Genetics, told CNBC. 

So, what should you focus on? Here are the top five relationship priorities that truly matter:

1. Mutual respect

Without respect, a relationship crumbles. This means valuing each other’s opinions, boundaries, and individuality. Mutual respect shows up in how you communicate–listening without interrupting, considering each other’s feelings, and honoring personal space. 

Want to strengthen respect in your relationship? Pay attention to how you speak to your partner, especially in moments of frustration. Small habits, like active listening and acknowledging their perspectives, go a long way. We can all have snappy moments, but it’s important they don’t become the norm.

2. Emotional connection

Love isn’t just about physical attraction, it’s about feeling understood and emotionally safe with your partner. A strong emotional connection means you can be vulnerable, express your feelings, and trust that your partner will support you.

How do you build this? Prioritize quality time (not just time together), ask meaningful questions, and check in on each other’s emotional well-being regularly. 

3. Shared values and goals

Relationships thrive when both people align on what truly matters. This doesn’t mean you need to agree on everything, but having shared core values–whether about family, lifestyle, or long-term plans–creates stability.

If you’re unsure about your shared values, have open conversations about the future. Ask:

• What do we both want in five years?
• What do we value in family, career, and personal growth?
• How do we navigate differences in our values?

Even if your values aren’t identical, mutual respect and compromise can help you align in ways that feel right for both of you.

4. Communication and conflict resolution

Miscommunication can break even the strongest connections. Healthy communication means being honest, open, and direct—without fear of judgment or retaliation.

When disagreements happen (and they will), prioritize resolution over being right. Instead of shutting down or lashing out, try:

• Using “I” statements instead of blame (“I feel hurt when…” vs. “You never…”).
• Taking breaks during heated discussions.
• Focusing on solutions rather than dwelling on the issue.

Great communication doesn’t mean never arguing, it means knowing how to navigate conflict with care and respect.

5. Independence and interdependence

A healthy relationship balances togetherness and individuality. You should feel supported in your individual pursuits, while also nurturing your relationship. Encourage each other’s passions, friendships, and goals. A strong relationship doesn’t mean losing yourself in another person, you don’t want to veer into co-dependency, instead, it means growing alongside them.

Prioritizing these five areas can help your relationship thrive. Without them, it could be a dealbreaker. Respect, emotional connection, shared values, communication, and independence are the pillars of a strong and lasting bond. If you and your partner focus on these, you’ll create a relationship that feels fulfilling, supportive, and built to last.