For those of you who are offended by the title, relax. I just needed a clever headline.

Communication is a HUGE part of any successful relationship. I'm not denying that.

But there is another thing that is just as vital, if not more so, to having a thriving, long-lasting relationship: forgiveness.

That seems simple enough, but many people aren't grasping that concept anymore — especially when they enter their first serious relationship.

In this day and age, people are all about not settling, knowing their worth and cutting people off when they fall short of expectations. Don't get me wrong, I completely agree that you should never settle or let somebody treat you as less than what you are.

However, it's important to remember that we are all human, and we all fall short sometimes. That includes your partner. This is when grace and forgiveness are needed.

The first time someone's boyfriend or girlfriend disappoints or neglects them, or when times simply get hard, they are so quick to have the mentality that says, "Dump him and move on. I don't have time for this."

You will never have a successful relationship with that attitude.

People will always disappoint you, and they will always hurt you. It is human nature. If you drop the relationship whenever times get hard, your relationship will never grow or develop.

There will be a time when the butterflies will go away and things will stop being perfect all the time. There will be times when your boyfriend or girlfriend hurts you badly, and you really might want to leave. In certain situations, you should.

But if you are leaving just because the honeymoon phase ended and reality came knocking, you'll never find the love you're searching for.

Real love requires grace. Real love requires forgiveness. Real love is teamwork.

Your partner won't always be able to pull his or her share, and you'll have to carry a little bit more weight. Is that fair? No. But you do it because you love them.

And remember, second chances seem hard to give out until you're the person asking for one.