Healthy Relationships
Relationships are a healthy, natural part of life. When you’re in a healthy relationship, studies show that you’re physically healthier, too. A healthy relationship can lead to:
· Longer lifespan
· Lower stress levels
· Lower blood pressure
· May improve immune health
· And more
Every relationship is different, but there are common characteristics that comprise a heathy relationship. If you can check off any of the following items, chances are, you’re in a relationship that’s healthy:
You Trust Your Partner
Trust is the cornerstone of a relationship. Developing trust is a lifelong experience that is built on past and current experiences. When you trust your partner, you know that they’re reliable, treat you well and will be there in good and bad times.
Mutual trust is built over time and continues to grow, offering one of the strongest signs of a healthy relationship. When mutual trust is present, you’ll find that it will provide you with a source of comfort and security.
Your Relationship is Open and Honest
Do you feel like you can be yourself in your relationship? Can you be vulnerable and authentic in your communications? Openness, vulnerability, and honesty are signs that you’re in healthy relationship. Openness is different for everyone, and when you’re open, vulnerable, and honest, this leads to:
- Fostering trust
- Deeper connections
- Better communication
In the initial stages of a relationship, you’re likely to hold back your feelings, which is completely normal. You don’t have to be an open book from the moment you meet someone and yet you do want to be honest. Over time, you’ll start to reveal yourself more to your partner.
You’ll eventually begin revealing your thoughts or feelings on religion, beliefs, interests and even some memories – good and bad.
Even if you have differences in opinions, a person in an honest, vulnerable, and open relationship will be able to work through these differences.
You’re Comfortable with Space and Privacy
Openness and honesty don’t mean that you have to spend every waking hour with a person. You and your partner need:
- Time
- Space
- Privacy
While you deserve your own space and privacy, you should be comfortable sharing your feelings, hopes, needs and desires with your partner.
Mutual Respect is a Part of Your Relationship
You’re now in a close, honest relationship with someone you care about deeply. As part of this closeness, you’ll also forge a mutual respect that allows you to mutually have empathy, show support, encourage your partner, take interest in your partner’s life and hobbies, and learn how to build each other up in a relationship.
Mutual respect also means equally helping support one another and listening to one another.
A healthy relationship can have all of the points outlined above, and importantly it should also be a relationship that includes affection, good communication and reciprocity. Every relationship must have give-and-take – it’s a part of life.
If you can’t check off all of these points, you can work towards them. Time and effort are often all that are needed to strengthen these points. Take your time and continue working towards the healthy relationship that you deserve.
Want to make sure your relationship remains healthy or want to work towards a healthy relationship?
Click here to learn how relationship coaching can help improve communication, rebuild a sense of trust and promote healthy healing. Or click here for a free 30+ minute Coaching Consultation.
