5 Ways To Build a Healthy Relationship
Building a healthy relationship
All romantic and healthy relationships go through ups and downs and they all take some work, commitment, and a willingness to adapt and change with your partner. But whether your relationship is just starting out or you’ve been together for years, there are steps you can take to build a healthy relationship. Even if you’ve experienced a lot of failed relationships in the past or struggled before to rekindle the fires of romance in your current relationship, you can learn to stay connected, find fulfillment, and enjoy lasting happiness.
1. What makes a healthy relationship?
Every relationship is unique and precious, and people come together for many different reasons. Part of what defines a healthy relationship is sharing a goal for exactly what you want the relationship and where you want it to go. And that’s something you’ll only know by talking deeply and honestly with your partner. However, there are also some characteristics that most healthy relationships have in common. Knowing these basic principles can help keep your relationship meaningful, fulfilling and exciting whatever goals you’re working towards or challenges you’re facing together.
2. You maintain a meaningful emotional connection with each other:
You can make each other feel loved and emotionally fulfilled. There’s a difference between being loved and being loved. When you feel loved, it makes you feel accepted and valued by your partner, like someone truly wants you. Some relationships get stuck in peaceful coexistence, but without the partners truly relating to each other emotionally.
3. You’re not afraid of (respectful) disagreement:
Some couples can talk things out quietly, while others have to raise their voices and passionately disagree. You need to feel safe to express things that disturbs you without fear of retaliation, and be able to have a conflict without humiliation, degradation, or insisting on being right.
4. You keep outside relationships and interests alive:
Despite the claims of so many romantic fiction or movies, no one person can meet all of your needs. In fact, expecting so much from your partner can put unhealthy pressure in a relationship.
5. You communicate openly and honestly:
Good conversation is a key part of any relationship. When both people know what they want from their relationship and feel relax expressing their needs, fears, and wishes, it can increase trust and strengthen the bond between you.