Yes, both are key to a good relationship, as long as we also understand two things.

First, words often mean different things to different people, so we mustn't assume that what one person sees as being close and emotionally open automatically matches the other person's perceptions of either or both. The resolution is to remain curious and always confirm that you're both on the same page.

Which brings me to the underlying criterion for any functional relationship, shown and given respect. We need to acknowledge and respect our partner's differences by appreciating how special they are, differences aside. Respect and being respected is always in the eyes of the receiver, so if you're not being respected by your partner, it's up to you to communicate that your needs are not being satisfied, and it's up to them to understand what you're saying, then to do something about what isn't working. If they care enough, that is.

If a relationship is healthy and important enough, people will do whatever they can as long as they know what to do and how to do it. Which is a whole other story. Lol

I think it defininatly is up there in the things that make a relationship work. excuse my spelling, I really need spell check. lol

Yes, 100%. One of the main reasons for my divorce.

Maybe, but it made little difference in my relationships, which were always cuddly and honest, but never lasted.

A famous study found that the one common denominator in successful, long-term hetero marriages was when the husband listened to and yielded to his wife in all things.

"In John Gottman’s long-term study of 130 newlywed couples, he found that even in the first few months of marriage, men who allow their wives to influence them have happier marriages and are less likely to divorce than men who resist their wives’ influence. Statistically speaking, when a man is not willing to share power with his partner, there is an 81 percent chance that his marriage will self-destruct."

Gottman, John M., and Nan Silver. (1999). “Principle 4: Let Your Partner Influence You,” in The Seven Principles for Making Marriages Work (Chapter Six).

My own partners were typically men with high levels of female characteristics, including being picky, critical, and independent. They would soon begin stonewalling me, going behind my back to spend all our money, lying to me, etc. so I'd lose interest in them.

I used to. Not so much anymore.

Of course.
A few other things too, but those are important.

I think there needs to be good communication on all levels, not just emotionally.

Yes, if both of you can do it.??

Yeah, but that's just too easy. What are you, some kind of idealist?

Yes for sure