Great relationships are probable when both parties have a similar, trustworthy, and valid definition of a great relationship. They must also consistently practice this definition. 

Robert Fritz states that the math of relationships is that it takes two to say yes and one to say no. 

When both parties say “yes,” there is a big chance for a great relationship. But if one person says “no,” there is little chance for a great relationship.

Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion. - Romans 12:9–16

Truth Tables and Reality

There are four options for “practicing a definition of a great relationship” and the “actual relationship.” The Truth Table is an excellent device to help evaluate your thinking about two ideas or elements. Specifically, it enables you to unlink the two things you think are connected.

The plus and minus signs indicate what is happening with that element. There are two plus signs in the first two boxes on the left. That says that you are practicing a great definition of a relationship and the actual relationship is good. The second two boxes state that you are not practicing the great definition and that the actual relationship is bad.

Without the truth table, you would likely conclude that the actual relationship will be good as long as you practice a great relationship definition.

Before discussing the remainder of the above truth table, consider the biblical direction for a husband and wife. To the wife, God states that she is to respect or submit to the husband. To the husband, God says that he is to love his wife as Christ loves the church. Therefore, in discussions with a couple, it is expected to hear something like this from the husband: "I would love her if she would respect me.” Or from the wife, “I would respect him if he showed that he loved me.”

That means that each has linked love and respect together. A truth table will help unlink the two items and help each see reality.

100% of Reality

Going back to the truth table above, consider the third set of boxes with a + and – sign. That states that you are practicing a great definition of a relationship, but the actual relationship is bad. You are doing the right things to be a great partner, yet the relationship is not working. Why might that be true? Obviously, they are free to do whatever they want, but that reality is not appreciated at this point. 

Most often, the other person isn’t putting energy into the relationship. They aren’t doing things that would help build the relationship.

Finally, the last two boxes state that you aren’t practicing a great definition of a relationship, but the relationship is good. How could that be? It might be like the old saying about a broken clock – at least it is correct two times a day. You may not be actively practicing a great relationship definition, but things are working now. That last set of boxes is likely to be very temporary. Sometimes, the relationship works even though neither party acts or lives with truth and sound principles.

Are You Saying Yes?

So, the truth table provides some needed reality to your thinking. Most importantly, it helps elevate the critical reality that even though you are saying “yes” to the relationship, the other person may be saying “no.”

In the example of the husband and wife, the truth table would help them identify that the wife can respect him when the husband does not love her, and the husband can love her even when the wife does not respect him.

The point – are you doing your part whether they are doing their part or doing what is right? That is the beginning of a great relationship – you decide to do what is right, to say “yes” even if they say “no.”

Is Your Relationship Definition Dependent On Them?

You will be in the Left Circle if your definition depends on them. You can learn about the 2 Circles if you don't remember them.

Go back and review your description or definition of a great relationship. Is any of it dependent on the other person? For example, “A great relationship satisfies me” or “A great relationship is where both parties mutually respect and love each other.”

What happens if the other person doesn't do their part? Does your definition leave room for them not to do their part while you still do yours? If the definition requires the other party to do something, then it must be revised.