When I was about 28, someone suggested that I make a list of everything I could possibly want in a loving relationship. I made a list of every single thing on a piece of paper, back and front, between the lines, around the edge until the paper was covered in its entirety. I proudly presented my list to this woman who, in turn, read every single word of it. She then handed the list back to me and said --Now, go and become all those things.
At age 48, I am not perfectly all those things, but I am more tolerant of others shortcomings. As a result, I am much less likely to rub the souls of those around me the wrong way and I experience peace in personal relationships on a level I never could have imagined.