Let’s talk about healthy relationships.

Healthy relationships go beyond candy hearts, flowers, and chocolate. Healthy relationships go beyond single acts of kindness and cute social media posts on one day of the year. They involve work and commitment each day. Read through our list to learn a bit about what a healthy relationship looks like.

The shortlist. 

Obviously, this is nowhere near an exhausted list but here are the top 10 elements of a Healthy Relationship …

Understanding 

Each partner should take time to understand what the other might be feeling.

Anger Control 

We all get angry, but how we express it can affect our relationships with others. Anger can be handled in healthy ways such as taking a deep breath, counting to ten, or talking it out. No physical violence, shouting or intimidation is necessary!

Healthy Sexual Relationship

Partners should engage in a sexual relationship that both are comfortable with, and neither partner feels pressured or forced to engage in sexual activity that is outside of their comfort zone or without consent. (Regardless of relationship status; vows do not equal consent!)

Individuality

Neither partner should have to compromise who they are, and their identity should not be based on a partner’s. Each should continue seeing their friends and doing the things they love. Each should be supportive of their partner wanting to pursue new hobbies or make new friends

Honesty

Honesty builds trust and strengthens the relationship. Deception destroys a relationship. If one or both partners is not honest the relationship will not be healthy and can turn toxic very quickly!

Trust 

Partners should place trust in each other and give each other the benefit of the doubt. If trust gets broken both partners need to evaluate if the trust can be mended. You cannot have a relationship without trust. 

Boundaries

Know your boundaries. A relationship cannot thrive without boundaries. In order to communicate what your boundaries are you must first know and respect your own boundaries.

Mutual Respect

Respect means that each person values who the other is and understands the other person’s boundaries.

Compromise

In a relationship, each partner does not always get their way. Each should acknowledge different points of view and be willing to give and take.

Communication

Each partner should speak honestly and openly to avoid miscommunication. Know your communication style and get to know your partners. Some people need to sort out their feelings before talking them over with their partners. Others need to address things right away, Identify how you and your partner communicate, and discuss what to do if you have two different communication needs.

Please keep in mind that this list simply touches the surface of each aspect of a relationship. As with everything in life, moderation is the key and each item on this list could be twisted and used in a harmful way.

If you would like to learn more about healthy and unhealthy relationships text 402-370-8817 or call 877-379-3798 to speak to an advocate today.