Case Study on Molly and Patrick's Meaningful Long-Term Relationship

Introduction

A relationship is defined as a manner in which two or more individuals connect either by romance or blood. Understanding a meaningful long-term relationship requires looking at a relation between two partners. It involves expectations such as mutual respect, being supportive of one another, plus showing fulfillment and commitment which could turn into a lifetime relationship (Conroy-Beam et al., 2016). It is noted that every individual in a relationship always possesses an identity that is separate from the other. However, the ability to stay happily together for the longest time is what is determined as the meaning of such a relationship. The paper seeks to analyze Patrick and Molly's long-term relationship which has proved to be meaningful thus pointing out two admirable foundational components that are influential.

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Component One: Effectively Dealing with Confrontation and Conflict

First, it is important to understand Molly and Patrick's relationship. It is one with a long-term intimacy that is to say 20 years. It is a type of relationship with a separate identity. The couple is well known for arguments about everything going on in their lives but never seems to quit or even threaten to quit. They express anger but do not attack each other in their arguments. In this case, it is noted that the two partners never hold on to grudges such as taking matters personal ("Chapter 7: Relationships," 2018). Considering confrontation and conflict, it is observed that the two individuals look at these as healthy signals of personal differences. Such conflicting arguments clarify each individual's intention. This helps them understand individual responsibilities and contributions to such a meaningful long-term relationship.

Component Two: Authenticity of Love

Patrick and Molly argue a lot regarding matters of their relationships to the extent that anyone listening to them can easily think of them separating. However, things never go in that direction. The admirable component, in this case, is the authentic love that Molly and Patrick have for each other. The fact is that they both know each other very well and also have dignity and utmost respect for each other by not launching verbal or physical attacks ("Chapter 6: Love," 2018). In addition, such arguments contribute to the growth of the relationship in a way that both sides get to understand their likes and dislikes thus making behavioral adjustments. Therefore, as a long-term love relationship, there is a factor of commitment and responsibility which strengthens the foundation of the relationship.

The Influence

What makes Molly and Patrick's relationship influential and above all admired is the fact that they have lived with each other under the same roof every day for 20 years. They have strongly disagreed on very many issues concerning their relationship but still, find a way of connecting back together. Besides the intimate familiarity is open communication that does not hide how one partner feels about the others opinion ("Chapter 7: Relationships," 2018). This is what is considered as the motivational or rather influential factor of such a meaningful long-term relationship. Here, both the present and futuristic point to learn is perseverance with an understanding that no partner is perfect. All that is needed is love.

Conclusion

To conclude, a meaningful long-term relationship means respect, commitment, perseverance, supportiveness, and fulfillment among others. Molly and Patrick exhibit signs of a long-term relationship through the most admirable components of their relationship such as dealing with confrontation and conflict, as well as the authenticity of love. The most influential attribute is open communication which teaches perseverance applicable in both present and future situations.

References

Chapter 6: Love [PowerPoint Slides]. (2018).

Chapter 7: Relationships [PowerPoint Slides]. (2018).

Conroy-Beam, D., Goetz, C. D., & Buss, D. M. (2016). What predicts romantic relationship satisfaction and mate retention intensity: mate preference fulfillment or mate value discrepancies?. Evolution and Human Behavior, 37(6), 440-448.