Healthy Relationships

Healthy Relationships

Healthy Relationships will be more successful if you have worked on developing emotional intelligence,  emotional regulation, self awareness and communication skills. Conflicts and disagreements are inevitable in relationships, and those who are more equipped to navigate conflict, express  themselves  and communicate will better able to  manage the differences that all relationships come with.

The following are positive signs of a healthy relationship, These are traits to look for in a partner and to develop in oneself.

–Open communication that involves sharing but also listening.

–Trust  Honesty and transparency will help partners to feel safe and securely attached in a relationship.

–Interdependence  You rely on each other for mutual support but still maintain your identity as a unique individual. You still have friends and connections outside the relationship and spend time pursuing  your own interests and hobbies.

–Curiosity  You are interested in your partner’s thoughts, goals and daily life. You want to watch them grow into their best self.

–Physical and/or emotional intimacy  Intimacy can refer to sex, but not always. As long as you’re both on the same page about getting your needs met, a. relationship can still be healthy without sex.

–Conflict Resolution  If you can address conflict without judgement or contempt, you will be more able to find a compromise or solution. If you can talk about your differences politely, honestly and with respect, then you are in a good place to navigate relationships.

Responsibility  Each partner in a relationship can contribute to a negative cycle or dynamic. Taking responsibility for this can further trust and honesty. Admit when you’re wrong, learn how to apologize and repair relationships.

Fun. You can find fun things to enjoy together. You can laugh together.

The following traits are also worth mentioning which makes for easier times in relationships.

Vulnerabiility is not often emphasized in our culture, but it is clear that when you can communicate from vulnerability rather than arrogance, judgement and a desire for control, the receiver of the communication can hear and accept the communication better.

The following are also helpful to have in relationships:

Kindness

Empathy

Generosity

Vulnerabilty

Flexibility/Adaptability

Is your relationship healthy?

Ask yourself:

• Does my partner encourage me to grow?
• Do we share goals for the future?
• Do we want the same kind of relationship?
• Can I be myself with them?
• Do I accept them for who they are?
• Do we give and take from each other fairly equally?
• Is my life better with them in it?
• Does our time together have meaning?

If you answered yes to six or more of these questions, your relationship is probably a strong one.