It's so simple. Trust me!

I've had this conversation so many times over the past few years and I usually give the same straight honest answer. Although in life there are no guarantees, (this is my disclaimer) I feel that we tend to over complicate relationships. That goes for any relationship but in this case I am referring to relationships of the romantic variety.

I feel like I have to state the obvious so I will: surely as a prerequisite to a relationship there should be an attraction to this person. I hope.

FRIENDSHIP is a must as well. Don't kid yourself, being in love before you've even been in like is a fail of epic proportions . Take the time get to know a person. Sex is overrated. Empty sex is great if that's what you're after, no judgement here but you attract what you put out so if that's the energy you are putting out into the universe do not expect to land a partner who is looking to settle down. More than likely he or she is looking for exactly what you're after. Be CLEAR and HONEST about what you want.

Endeavor to remain ON THE SAME PAGE at every stage in the relationship.

With all that said, you then have to treat the relationship like everything else in life that you WANT, you have to WORK at it; consistently.

It is not for the fainthearted or the weak fickle types who demand more than they're willing to give.... There is nothing old-fashion about taking relationships seriously; it all comes down to compatibility, trust, respect, loyalty, fidelity, honesty, among other things. It's simple, you love someone you commit and make it work.

I'm talking about a genuine loving, REAL relationship. The other kinds are irrelevant to life in my book. It's just a waste of two people's time because the relationship will inevitably end and destroy lives with it. Rule of thumb, you first have to be an adult to understand what it takes to be in a committed union with another person. You have to possess the capacity to be tolerant and the ability to see beyond yourself and your feelings, all the time. There are a lot of different pieces that have to fit perfectly for such a relationship to not only work but also last. And of course some divine intervention if you believe in that sort of thing. But then again some people are simply incapable of loving due to this false idea that they love themselves.

If two people are together for any reason other than to love, cherish and support one another through whatever life may bring then what on God's great earth is the point. Karma always catches up to people who fake the funk through life like that.

Love after heartbreak.... Well that's part of life. Pull yourself up by the boot straps and cowboy the hell up! Life will go on so why won't you?

It's only natural to be hurt and lack the same enthusiasm towards dating. Trust should always be earned but on the same token, once the healing is done from any failed relationship, you have to then be willing to open yourself up to the possibility of meeting someone better suited to you. Of course that takes time... And you also have to be willing to assess the role you played in the demise of past relationships in order to start anew and avoid repeating the same mistakes with someone new.

Another key thing to remember is that if its worth it (the relationship I mean...) people show their vulnerabilities and they work towards growth and if not they make excuses. Either bring your truth or walk away. It's likely that if you're lying to yourself about the situation or holding back your true emotions then whoever you're with is doing the same.

Lastly,

Love is always always always secondary to respect, trust, tolerance, loyalty, commitment and individual integrity and self love. ALWAYS! Make no mistake about that.