Even if you and your partner enjoy trying out new restaurants, long bike rides, and travelling together, there are other factors to consider if you want to have a healthy and happy relationship.
Is it possible to define what constitutes a healthy relationship? A safe haven where people can love, honour and respect one another is the mark of a successful partnership. It is possible to express one’s desires, needs, and boundaries while also listening to the other person’s perspective.
A healthy relationship is important to cultivate because the opposite—toxic relationship—takes a toll on your quality of life by heightening depressive and anxious feelings as well as affecting sleep and even impacting your heart health.
Being in a high-quality romantic relationship is linked to greater well-being. People who are single are happier than those who are in a less fulfilling relationship. Furthermore, many couples in unhealthy relationships, especially those who grew up in families where it was the norm, do not realise it.
Below are signs that you are in a healthy relationship.
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You speak up
When you share a home with your partner, it’s easy to notice when they do something you don’t like, like not calling you for two days or not helping out around the house. The problem is that it can be difficult at times to open up and tell your partner how you’re feeling. Coming from a vulnerable place takes a lot of strength, self-confidence, and bravery. You’ll be able to be completely honest with your partner if your relationship is going well.
Trust is strong
In relationships, trust is essential, but social media and cell phones have made it easier than ever to snoop on each other. It’s not necessary in a healthy relationship. That’s in part due to the fact that your partner has shown you that they can be trusted. You can count on them to show up when you need them. They show up when they say they will. They also show their trust in you by allowing you to have the time and space you need without constantly checking up on you — and that includes checking your phone.
You disagree with each other on some issues
Every couple has their moments of disagreement. Although you may think otherwise, you don’t have to fix all of the problems in your life. In fact, it’s perfectly fine to have a few points of disagreement between the two of you. To agree to disagree is acceptable in some situations. You have different views and perspectives on these issues, and that’s okay.
You help each other achieve dreams
Many of us have a dream or vision for our life, and especially as we age, we want to maintain those visions. As long as you honour and encourage each other to achieve your goals, it’s fine if your dreams don’t align with each other.
You have different interests
Couples who have the best love affairs are those who are able to maintain their interests, but don’t feel guilty about not sharing them with their partner. Both of you encourage the other to pursue their passions on their own time and in their own way. Even though it’s easy to pick up on your partner’s habits and interests, becoming overly dependent on one another can breed resentment. When you work on and put money into your own growth, you’ll gain more than just self-esteem.
You’re comfortable in your own skin
The more you know about yourself, the better equipped you are to deal with your partner’s shortcomings. Even if you’re comfortable around your friends, you might feel awkward at work. Your partner forgetting to put the trash out can also be a trigger for you. Becoming aware of one’s strengths and weaknesses can lead to self-acceptance, which in turn can lead to self-love and self-acceptance of one’s mate.
Boundaries are respected and honored
Both partners have to be on the same page for it to work. In a healthy relationship, both parties discuss and agree on important subjects that are meaningful to one another. Differences are fine as long as you and your partner are able to talk it out. If you’ve had a partner who consistently ignores what you care about, including your boundaries, that’s a red flag.
You feel happy
Check in with yourself after the excitement of a new relationship has worn off: Do you have a good relationship with your partner? Please tell me how you feel about yourself. The best way to deal with any strain or lack of support is to open up to your significant other.
Relationship dissatisfaction has been linked to health issues in the future. When there is constant conflict and dysfunction in a relationship, it increases the risk of depression and anxiety. This is likely due to the fact that conflict and dysfunction increase daily stress. However, a strong partnership can be a lifesaver in times of crisis, when people need someone to support them.