If your relationship is missing even one of these 3 things, an expert says it won't last.

When it comes to relationships, we're often told that communication, trust, and compromise are essential ingredients for success.

But according to psychologist and relationship coach Sadia Khan, there are three specific elements that form the foundation of any lasting romantic partnership: the "3 A's".

Khan believes that without these key components, even the most committed relationships will eventually falter.

Watch: The three ways people come into your life. Post continues below.

Attraction: More than just physical chemistry.

The first 'A' might seem obvious, but Khan emphasises that attraction runs deeper than mere physical appearance. While that initial spark is essential for a romantic relationship to develop, attraction can take many forms.

You might be drawn to someone's sense of humour, confidence, or charisma. But there must be some element of physical or emotional allure. If this initial spark is missing, nothing else can compensate for it in the long run.

Interestingly, Khan points out that for women, emotional connection can actually enhance physical attraction. Once emotionally invested, women may perceive their partner as more attractive than others do, thanks to what psychologists call a "positive illusion bias."

This means qualities like humour and emotional presence can make an "average" man seem irresistible to a woman who is emotionally connected to him.

Admiration: Respecting your partner for who they truly are.

The second crucial element is admiration — respecting your partner for their authentic self, independent of your influence. This means valuing their achievements, self-control, values and how they conduct themselves.

Admiration transforms a relationship from something superficial into something meaningful and enduring. It's about seeing qualities in your partner that you genuinely look up to — such as their purpose or their emotional strength. This kind of respect fosters deep emotional connection and trust.

And without admiration, a relationship can quickly become imbalanced. According to Khan, when a woman doesn't admire her partner, there's a greater risk of becoming critical, losing patience, or even feeling contempt. A sure way to erode intimacy and connection.

Importantly, Khan notes that true admiration cannot be forced or faked — it must be genuinely felt, which helps women avoid settling for less than they deserve.

Adoration: Feeling cherished and emotionally secure.

The final 'A' focuses on how a woman needs to feel within the relationship. Adoration involves being shown affection, reassurance, and consistent emotional support.

It's not just about compliments or grand gestures; it's the consistent reassurance that a woman is genuinely loved and appreciated for who she is.

This element provides the emotional nourishment women require in order to feel secure in love. When a woman feels adored, she's more likely to let down her guard, express vulnerability, and invest deeply in the relationship.

What happens when an 'A' is missing?

Khan emphasises that all three elements are necessary for a relationship to thrive. When any one of them is missing, problems inevitably arise.

Without attraction:

The relationship lacks spark or chemistry. Romantic interest fades, and the connection feels more like friendship than passionate, romantic love.

Without admiration:

Disappointment and resentment can grow. A woman may become increasingly critical, leading to constant nitpicking, emotional distance, or a relationship breakdown.

Without adoration:

A woman feels undervalued, insecure, or emotionally neglected. This lack of reassurance erodes trust and intimacy, preventing the relationship from deepening.

While every relationship faces challenges, Khan believes that having these three fundamental elements in place creates a solid foundation that can withstand life's inevitable storms. By recognising the importance of attraction, admiration, and adoration, couples can better understand what might be missing when problems arise — and take steps to nurture these essential qualities.

Feature image: Made with AI c/o Google Image FX