孜瑶的蓝音符

A serious in-dept analysis of our relationship, haha...

Michael and Ziyao have been together now for three years and the relationship is as sweet as ever. I think they connect very well; they have similar value system and goals in life; and they also happen to enjoy similar hobbies (i.e. traveling, Legal Seafood, Lebron James, and cheesecake). Beyond the surface, if I was going to “dissect” the secret of their healthy relationship, I probably would say that their healthy relationship has seven basic qualities:

• Respect: without it, relationships can be hurtful. I think Michael and Ziyao both respect each other. Whether academic, goals, families and value system, they understand the similarities and the difference, and they certainly respect the difference.
• Trust: without it, relationships can lead to jealousy. After all these years, I think Michael and Ziyao really developed the trust between them. Trust can also be self-fulfilling prophecy and creates a virtuous cycle for relationship.
• Honesty: without it, relationships can be hurt by lies and anger. Ties directly with trust, honesty I think is critical to healthy relocation. The worst scenario for any relationship is to try to “hide” the problems and hope it would go away. But Michael and Ziyao try to work out any issues with honesty and candor, always keeping respect in mind.
• Fairness: No one is always right--or wrong. It’s also important to understand there is no necessary black and white in relationship all the times. Michael and Ziyao is doing a great job here because, they told me, they tolerate some kind of compromise, and they always ensure it’s fair!
• Equality: without it, unhappiness is likely as one partner takes control. There is definitely equality! They’re equally smart, ambitious and capable. They all have great career goals, family goals and personal goals in life.
• Responsibility: It's the responsibility of both to make sure things don't get out of hand. Both Michael and Ziyao are responsible individuals, toward their own and toward each other.
• Good communication: Without it, there are a lot of misunderstandings. I think this is the most essential for relationship – always maintain good communication. Michael and Ziyao would have chat and talk all the time to make sure everybody is on the same page.