Take a long look at your significant other. Think about the first time you met and the feelings of joy that encircled you. Maybe it was her laugh, physical beauty, intellect, or a combination of things that initially grabbed your attention. Over time you learned to appreciate her integrity, her principles and values, and the unmistakable intuition she uses to care for children and self. She isn’t perfect and neither are you--but at some point, you ignored man-made logic and decided to allow her into your life.

This wasn't a mistake. She's good for you. The question you should consistently ask yourself is: Am I good for her?

In the beginning of your relationship, you probably spent ungodly amounts of time together. You met her friends and she met your family. Entertainment was never in short supply and having fun was easy. As time went on, some of those quality moments eventually became intimate moments and you’ve been in love ever since.

Your special lady probably had a significant role in helping you feel good about yourself. Even with all of your flaws and imperfections, she accepted you for who you are.

Men need that acceptance. More specifically, men need women who support and respect them and when we find those women, we find good things.

Social and psychological dynamics aside, couples must be good for each other in order to sustain a long-term relationship. Whether they're opposites who magnetically attract, or similar characters who finish each other's sentences, having relationship success requires the cooperation and dedication of two individuals who complement to each other.

The ways in which a man portrays loyalty, sacrifice, kindness and understanding in a relationship is critical to its overall development. These things are essential for the comfort of our partners. When your partner knows you’re committed to her and sees that you’re obligated to nurturing and growing the relationship, she will remain committed to you.

Published in a 1998 volume of The Family Journal, authors Daniel Eckstein and Linda Cohen reported on factors that help contribute to a successful relationship. "The Couple's Relationship Satisfaction Inventory: 21 Points to Help Enhance and Build a Winning Relationship (ISSN-1066-4807), concluded that 21 specific factors have been found to be associated with successful relationships. The authors categorized the following 3 components as critical areas of importance: communication, empathy, and a combined category consisting of trust and negotiation.

For men, this often means staying on top of their game and not becoming complacent. The most successful long-term relationships, whether in love or business, will sustain themselves best when two parties are good for each other. Favorable relationship bonds happen when men are more consistent and less stagnant.

A common misconception among young couples is that they must supply their partner's every need. To be anything and everything to one person is a fantasy, but it doesn't keep some men from trying.

Instead, men should learn to accept the fact that their partners will receive joy and contentment from other sources. Your significant other may not laugh at your jokes, but she could be extremely happy with other valuable traits you bring to the relationship.

To be good for each other, couples should not feel responsible for all of their partner's happiness. Knowing yourself and the things you bring to the table will help enhance and fortify your connection. Being the man that initially captured her attention is the guy who is good for her.

As she balances out the necessities and desires in her life, you can bet your love and affection will remain at the top of the list.