In a new relationship, you’re establishing a connection and learning about your partner. There’s a “honeymoon” phase where everything is sunshine, rainbows, and butterflies.
After being in a relationship for some time, nowadays, many people see non-divorced partners as a sign of a successful relationship. When it comes to being in a truly healthy relationship, there’s a lot more to it than having similar interests or simply being together.
Here are some hallmark signs of a healthy relationship.
You Communicate Well
The foundation for a good relationship is having healthy communication. Good communication habits allow you to grow as a couple, connect with each other, and learn how to resolve conflict as it arises.
When you’re choosing to be with someone, you need to be able to express yourself and have your needs heard. It’s also a two way street, so your partner needs to have the same opportunity. Conversations aren’t always going to be easy and upbeat, so having strong communication skills can help you both navigate the more difficult subject matters.
You Respect Each Other
Whether you’re in a new or long-term relationship, you’re going to find points where you don’t love or adore everything your partner does.
When you’re in a healthy relationship, you understand and accept these differences. Even if you don’t necessarily agree with something, you are respectful to your partner.
You Have Healthy Boundaries
In a healthy relationship, there’s an understanding that you’re on the same side, but you also have your own needs and wants. Each of you should be able to support each other in meeting personal goals. You also need to be mindful of each other’s emotional and physical well-being in the process.
A healthy relationship allows for conversations about boundaries and involves working together to make sure they’re maintained. A supportive partner honors your goals, values what you value, and makes sure you feel empowered in the process.
You Have Healthy Conflict
Many people think arguments or conflict within the relationship is problematic. Most people in a healthy relationship understand that conflict is inevitable and some conflict is healthy.
Healthy conflict takes practice and plenty of self awareness. You need to be able to disagree with your partner, have open discussion, and be able to productively move forward. You’re on the same team, so you should be able to come together after any conflict and still love and respect each other.
Conflict, when viewed as an opportunity for growth and coming together, can actually strengthen and improve the longevity of the relationship. You understand when to agree to disagree without any mark against each other.
You Have Autonomy
Being in a healthy relationship gives you a partner to tackle life’s challenges with. What it shouldn’t do is make you dependent on another person.
Healthy relationships will serve to maximize your individual and combined strengths, but also allow you to keep your identity. Spending time on your own doesn’t detract from your relationship, but rather increases your bond and the curiosity you have for each other.
You Enjoy Each Other’s Company
While this may sound like common sense, it’s not always present in every relationship. In a healthy relationship, you should want to spend quality time together, not having to force it into a schedule.
Date nights, activities, and adventures are prioritized, even when you have children in the mix. You could be doing the most menial thing like binging a TV show or doing a home repair and still find ways to have fun because you enjoy being around each other.
If you’re unhappy in your relationship, it can spark trouble for its sustainability and lead to additional problems down the road. Additionally, negative interactions in a relationship can increase stress, causing mental and physical health issues. If you’re having problems in your relationship and would like to cultivate a healthier connection, contact us to learn more about couples counseling.
