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Succeeding in any friendship or relationship is dependent on both parties involved. Many have failed at more than one relationship, not because they wanted to fail but because they did not plan to succeed. Most times, it is not the monstrous matters that cause wreckage in relationships but little foxes that are often overlooked. This is why you have to look out for these foxes and guard against them.

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<center><sub>Image from [Pixabay](https://pixabay.com/photos/men-women-apparel-couple-people-2425121)</sub></center>

The knowledge of your enemy is a principal weapon to win the war against them. Obviously, you cannot win the war against the particular enemy you do not have knowledge of. So here, we will take a look at some of these little foxes and how they have the propensity to cause major wreckage in even a long-term relationship. From the knowledge of these little foxes, you will know how to fight them to preserve your relationship. We'll take two in this post and complete them in the subsequent post. The first we'll talk about is: 

### 1. Lack of Communication

Many relationships have been wrecked on the bases of assumptions. One very bad thing about assumption is, you are almost always wrong about your assumptions. Learn to ask questions when in doubt of the actions of your partner and do not assume. Everything may be pointing you to a fact but you may still be wrong if you assume. Lack of proper communication breeds assumptions.

A breach in communication leads to other bigger ills which naturally result from assumptions. The love you have for your partner may tend to dwindle when there is a disjoint in communication because there will be no reassurance of love. You'd be surprised how much power is embedded in "I love you". Imagine when it becomes absent, what do you think will happen to the relationship?

The reason it is called "relationship" is because of the presence of two-way communication. Take away communication from any relationship, what you will have is a mere association. 

### 2. Lack of Empathy

To consolidate on your friendships, you have to be quick to identify with the feelings, thoughts and emotions of your partner. A point will come when you realize that your next action may not be wrong but it may not also add emotionally and positively to your partner, so you just decide to hold on. Trust me, your partner can sense when empathy is lacking in the relationship.

You must also learn to understand your partner's point of view and relate with their ideas and opinion. Note; there is always a way of welcoming an opinion without agreeing fully to it - understanding of this makes it easier to flow along with people.
 
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<center><sub>Image from [Pixabay](https://pixabay.com/illustrations/love-romantic-relationship-together-3581038)</sub></center>

To make it very clear, [many things differentiate empathy from sympathy](https://www.teachthought.com/learning/difference-empathy-sympathy). In sympathy, you will just stop at sharing feelings together, which includes feeling of compassion et al. However in empathy, you do not just share feelings but you identify personally with the person. That is, placing yourself literally in the person's shoes to know what they are passing through and proffering solution to it. This is what boosts healthy relationship. 

If an error is committed against the other person, it is not enough to say "sorry", it should also be shown in actions by, first, taking precautions not to repeat it again, and then look for ways to make it up. It may not change the error committed but it makes your partner to look beyond the errors.
 
Always have it in mind that the success or failure of any relationship entirely rests on the actions or inactions of the both parties. The kind of person you want your partner to be, try to also be that person. In plain terms; you must be willing and ready to fulfil all the requirements of your requirements first.

***Thanks for reading***

<div class=phishy>Peace on y'all</div>

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