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Respect is a vital component of anyhealthy relationship.
People may argue and disagree, but they should maintain respect for one another.
Here’s a look at what respect means and how to nurture it in your relationship.
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What Is Respect in a Relationship?
“Respect is the foundation of any healthy relationship.
You might find that your definitions differ.
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Delineate the boundaries of respect clearly for each other so you have a common yardstick by which to measure.
When you respect someone, you hold them in high regard through your actions, behaviors, and words.
Imagine someone buys their partner a vacuum for their birthday, thinking its a nice, expensive gift.
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The recipient, a stay-at-home parent who handles most household chores, might consider this gift disrespectful.
If the issue goes unaddressed,resentment can build, significantly straining the relationship.
Ongoing and open communication can help.
For example, the couple might decide that household appliances are notrespectful giftsbut rather shared household purchases.
Even if you have that discussion early on in your relationship, remember that people evolve and situations change.
Give each other permission to open up freely, without judgment and whenever necessary.
You should both feel comfortablecommunicating your changing thoughts and feelings.
If youre not, then some underlying issues might need attention.
Youre bound to disagree, make poor decisions, experience mood changes, and cross boundaries.
Even if you dont intend to, you may end up disrespecting your partner.
This can cause significant issues.
Support Your Partners Interests
Everyone has different interests, passions, and hobbies.
Maybe your partner loves to hike, but you don’t.
You don’t have to join them on hiking adventures, but you shouldn’t deter them from going.
If you love and respect your partner, however, try your best to understand them.
The Role of Trust
Respect and trust go hand in hand.
At the same time, partners shouldnt hide their behavior or feelings, either.
Making an effort to understand one another’s boundaries demonstrates respect, Lurie explains.
Even in the most loving relationships, trust can be broken.
Any one of these situations can cause a loss of trust, depending on the relationship.
you might rebuild trust if disrespectful behavior is notabusive(physically, mentally, sexually, or verbally).
Both partners must be willing to work at it, though.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
Are You in a Healthy Relationship?
Individuals have their own opinions, passions, and beliefs.
Trying to change, control, or dismiss this reality is the essence of disrespect.
2005;19(1):6-17. doi:10.1037/0893-3200.19.1.6
