We began this series to look into the best possible ways to circumvent the threat and obstacles that could creep into our relationships, which; if a feasible panacea is not found; could be a contributory factor to the increased cases of breakups being witnessed in our contemporary times, particularly in this part of the world.

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<sub>[Pixabay](https://pixabay.com/en/romantic-hug-togetherness-embrace-1934223/)</sub>

In the past 5 episodes, we have considered "_openness, walking on yourself, appreciation, I'm sorry, and faithfulness_" as the oil that lubricates the engine of any relationship. But there is something that all these would hinge on, so as to keep the relationship running through thick and thin, and that is:

### <div class=phishy>Love</div>

The sincere truth is; the features that drew you to someone (like their beauty, shape, physique, or even their profession) might get altered over time, so what do you do when all you saw go into oblivion? Would you take a moonwalk, or would you still stick around? Now, this question is determined by the level of your love for your partner.

And the truth is; love is either absolute or it doesn't qualify to be called "love" in the first place. But as it were; some people have misrepresented "love" for lust or infatuation, but these are as far from each other as the earth is from the sun. You'd hear something like "love at first sight", but in most cases, this could just be infatuation or even crush. Love is meant to grow over time, and not something that comes with the press of a button.

To prove your love for your partner, you must answer these very few questions in the affirmation: `"Am I selfless in my attitude towards my partner? If all these that got me attracted to them are gone, would I still stick around with them?"` Some people tend to love only when the pocket of their partner is healthy, but if Harmattan blows over the pocket, they'll ditch their partner like a bad habit - would you call that "love"?

But more importantly, it doesn't stop at just loving them, but you should also tell them you do - being benevolent with "I love you" doesn't cost a cent, but it is beyond money. Tell them as often as you can, but also mean it, and allow it to be expressed in your actions; so you wouldn't sound like an old newspaper, lol.

> _**Disclaimer**: Samminator is not a relationship expert, but the greater percentage of this is a systematic review of the collection of past experiences_.

***Thanks for reading***

- [Part 1](https://steemit.com/life/@samminator/hey-retain-that-relationship-part-1-c7ed9339e26ba)
- [Part 2](https://steemit.com/life/@samminator/hey-retain-that-relationship-part-2-21b7faaa8a605)
- [Part 3](https://steemit.com/life/@samminator/hey-retain-that-relationship-part-3-15f975a0a22ed)
- [Part 4](https://steemit.com/life/@samminator/hey-retain-that-relationship-part-4-1f5f387ec5ba4)
- [Part 5](https://steemit.com/life/@samminator/hey-retain-that-relationship-part-5-144488dcdcd68)

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

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