1)Mutual respect means to honor the human dignity or, at a higher level, the spiritual identity of the other. Here we have transcended the need to manipulate and deride our partner — negative actions found in the lower attempts at love.

2)Acceptance means that we move beyond our habitual judgments and try to determine the Truth of the situation. This can be difficult because Truth comes from our Spirit rather than the relative opinions of our mind or the reactionary responses of our emotions. Once we know the Truth about someone or a situation, acceptance comes easily and we respond accordingly.

3)Caring includes treating the other with tenderness and consideration. It means to support, be concerned, and to want the best for your partner. How is he  — physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually? What can you do to uplift, and comfort, and please her?

4)Knowing each other better can draw you closer. By knowing someone, you can care for him more effectively. It enhances your appreciation of her positive aspects and makes you more compassionate about her faults. You recognize that your partner is a unique and miraculous expression of Creation.  This is why it is so important to do things that will improve your intimacy and draw you closer.

By wanting to improve yourself, you add both a humanistic and spiritual dimension to the relationship, which makes it holy. As humans, we are destined to make mistakes. By recognizing our weaknesses and failures, we can change our attitudes and behavior. Like this, we evolve spiritually and, by association, so can our partner.