Friendship is often the bond that holds us together when the passions of love drive us apart. Information and feelings. Only the mature have a shot at making it long term. A strong commitment can keep you together when everything else fails. If you don't have trust, you have little else.
Respect reflects equality.
Respect for your differences. The key building block of intimate communication. A common core of shared beliefs. A little compromise, a little give and take. Appreciating her differences, his quirks, her fears, his faults.