Healthy relationship characteristics seem like they should be obvious, but sometimes the line of good and bad can feel a little blurry. Your relationship with your partner should make you feel loved, secure. Your partner is someone who supports you and has fun with you. Everyone defines healthy relationships differently, but there are some common characteristics that will contribute to a happy union. Here are 10 signs of a healthy relationship.
Mutual respect: Respect is one of the most important healthy relationship characteristics. It is how you treat one another in your day to day life and it is a big deal. This quality in a relationship allows you to be open and honest with your mate. Respect for your partner comprises of valuing their needs, feelings, and opinions. You speak kindly to one another, support one another, build each other up, and honor boundaries.
Spending time together: When you have free time you look for ways to spend it with your mate. You are eager and open to doing things that they enjoy as well as tending to your own hobbies. You make time for your mate despite a busy schedule. Date nights are important the longer you've been together, especially if you have children. This time spent alone together as a couple bonds you, builds self-esteem, and brings you closer. This is a healthy relationship characteristic for those looking to build a lifelong partnership with someone who enjoys your company.
Support: Couples who support one another show that they are confident in their relationship and give their partners the freedom to be themselves and follow their dreams. Support is also essential during the hard times that every relationship inevitably hits. Giving your partner a shoulder to cry on, and celebrating life's little victories will go a long way in making both spouses happy and content in the relationship.
Trust: Trust is a slippery slope in relationships. It's difficult to get and nearly impossible to gain back once it is lost. Breaking trust can change your partner's personality and their behavior towards you. When you are in a relationship you want to be with someone who will keep your secrets, always be honest with you, have your back, and never betray you. When you trust someone you know they are reliable. You can count on them. Couples who share mutual trust feel safer both emotionally and physically in their relationship.
Confidence: Confidence in your relationship is the key. Both parties should be crystal clear about how the other one feels about them. This will make them feel secure in the relationship, physically and mentally desirable, and promotes trust and bonding. Having confidence in your relationship will also allow you to solve problems and communicate better since there is never any fear that your partner will end the relationship just because of a fight. You are both committed to your relationship and will do anything to make it work.
Honesty: In order to have an open, trusting relationship both parties need to be practicing honesty. This doesn't mean saying unnecessarily mean things to your partner in the spirit of honesty. It means having open and honest discussions about subjects that are hard such as sexual dissatisfaction, life goals, and potential boredom or thoughts of infidelity. These aren't easy subjects to broach with someone you love, but consistent honesty will bond you closer together and give you comfort in knowing neither you nor your partner will have to worry about the other breaking their trust.
Maintaining individuality: If you dig your partner so much that you want to do absolutely everything with them, that's great! But it's equally as important for you to maintain your individuality in a relationship. This healthy relationship characteristic will ensure that both mates continue to nurture their other relationships, such as those with friends and family. This will give both a diverse and fulfilling social life. It also allows both parties to pursue new hobbies and friendships.
The write-up has appeared onĀ www.marriage.com