Richo identifies five essential elements that must be present for a relationship to be considered "adult" and healthy. These are the primary tools for both receiving and giving love safely:
: Expressing gratitude and recognizing the unique gifts and contributions a partner brings to your life.
: Showing warmth through physical touch, intimacy, and respectful gestures of love.
: Giving a partner the freedom to grow, pursue individual interests, and be their authentic self without restriction. Letting Love In Safely: The Internal Work
: Being fully present with a partner—truly seeing, hearing, and noticing their needs without distraction.
: Embracing the other person exactly as they are, without trying to change, fix, or control them.