The relationship between mother and daughter is a sacred bond that is unlike any other type of relationship. If carried out properly- it could be said that it’s quite possibly one of the most profound relationships that can be had.

And while the connection can be complicated at times, it doesn’t have to be. Much like any relationship or bond, there will be ups and downs. However, the ups far outweigh the downs. From birth, mother and child bond and as the daughter begins to grow into her person, they grow to depend on each other in a way that is unique to the mother-daughter connection.

Here are 10 ways a mother-daughter relationship stands out above the rest.

1. The connection thrives on acceptance.

A mother and daughter must accept each other, flaws and all. While it can be hard to try not to change someone we love, the mother-daughter dynamic requires acceptance and understanding. The entire foundation of this relationship is rooted in unconditional love.

2. Mother’s model self-awareness to their daughters.

Young women learn to be more aware of themselves by seeing how their mothers perceive them. This is also true of confidence, self-esteem, and how we handle our self-care. We learn all of these things from our mother, who models these behaviors for us.

3. A mother-daughter relationship is unique- encompassing friendship & family.

The relationship between mother and daughter is unique. A mother and daughter are best friends, family, sisters, and so much more, all rolled into one.

4. Mothers are intuitively connected to their daughters.

My mother always told me this throughout my life. For years, I insisted that she was crazy for thinking that she could know things about me that she otherwise shouldn’t. Then, something happened to me, and she is the only one who saw it coming. I will never doubt the intuitive and even telepathic connection a mother has with her daughter.

5. Mothers teach their daughters how to love by how they show love.

The way a mother shows love to her daughter is how the daughter (most likely, there are exceptions) will show love to others. If the mother is loving and accepting, her daughter will be as well. But, if the mother is cold or unstable, her daughter will likely follow suit.

6. Sometimes, there is conflict.

Conflicts are going to happen. And no matter how major the conflict may seem, there is nothing wrong with positive conflict. In fact, in many ways, this is how the two learn to establish boundaries and understand one another.

7. But, those conflicts end rather quickly.

And while the conflicts may seem intense- the two will most often bounce back quite quickly from them. To outsiders looking in, it may seem odd how the two can be at each other’s throats in one moment and hugging in the next, but as I said, the relationship is unique.

8. Daughters need their mothers to talk to them.

To learn how to socialize with others, and to establish trust and deepen their bond, the mother and daughter need to talk candidly. Of course, some topics don’t belong in their conversations- but for the most part, they need to remain open and honest.

9. And listen carefully to them, as well.

Not only is it important for a mother to talk to her daughter- she must learn to listen as well. Listening is perhaps even more important than talking- because the daughter needs to know the mother hears her.

10. The relationship thrives with honesty.

Above all, honesty is fundamental to the relationship between mother and daughter. When the daughter lies to the mother, and vice versa, it can make it difficult for them to maintain trust and cause harm to their bond. In most cases, they will bounce back pretty quickly- but honesty needs to remain a top priority between them.