Learn some of the characteristics of healthy relationships, along with signs that suggest poor relationship health.
We also share several steps it’s possible for you to take to create healthier relationships in your life.
Some have higher needs for openness and affection than others, for example.
Verywell / Catherine Song
In healthy relationships, each person’s needs are met.
Here are several to consider.
Trust
Trust is a key component of healthy relationships.
Trust is also established by how two people treat one another.
As this trust grows, the relationship becomes a greater source of comfort and security.
Openness and Self-Disclosure
Another characteristic of healthy relationships is feeling able to be yourself.
Being open with each other helps you feel more connected as a couple while fostering greater trust.
Self-disclosure can furtherenhance trust in your relationship.
This doesnt mean that you must share every single thing with your partner.
Each individual has their own privacy and space boundaries.
Boundaries are not about secrecy.
Instead, they establish that each person has their own needs and expectations.
Healthy boundaries are unique to each individual and each couple.
They establish what you will and will not accept in your relationship.
They may also restrict who you might spend time with or demand access to your personal social media accounts.
Mutual Respect
In close, healthy relationships, people have ashared level of respect.
They don’t demean or belittle one another and offer support and security.
There are a number of different ways that couples canshow respectfor one another.
These include:
Love and Affection
Healthy relationships are characterized by love and affection.
It is important to remember that physical needs are different for each individual.
There is no right amount of affection or intimacy that applies to everyone.
The key to a healthy relationship is that both partners are content with the level of affection they share.
Good Communication
Healthy, long-lasting relationshipswhether friendships or romantic partnershipsrequirethe ability to communicate well.
Being able to communicate doesn’t mean having no conflicts.
It means being able to resolve differences of opinion effectively.
When conflicts do arise, those in healthy relationships are able to avoid personal attacks.
They remain respectful and empathetic of their partner as they discuss their thoughts and feelings andwork toward a resolution.
Sometimes conflict can even be an opportunity to strengthen a connection with your partner.
Give-and-Take
Strong relationships are marked bynatural reciprocity.
It isnt about keeping score or feeling that you owe the other person.
You do things for one another because you genuinely want to.
This also doesnt mean that the give-and-take in a relationship is always 100% equal.
At times, one partner may need more help and support.
In other cases, one partner may simply prefer to take more of a caregiver role.
Signs of Unhealthy Relationships
Relationships can change and not every relationship is healthy all the time.
Times of stress, in particular, can lead to behaviors and coping mechanisms that create issues.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
Are You in a Healthy Relationship?
How to Build Healthier Relationships
Toxic behaviorsare often a sign that an unhealthy relationship should end.
For other issues, there are many ways to fix weaknesses and build a healthier relationship.
Commit to the Work
Relationships take workon both your parts.
If you’re the only one who is trying to make things better, it leads to aone-sided relationship.
This key in of scenario can leave you feeling stressed, resentful, and emotionally exhausted.
Each person must be willing to do their part to maintain the connection and remedy issues that may exist.
Commit to each other that you’ll do the work to build a stronger partnership.
What are some things that you could do to keep the romance alive over the long term?
When to Seek Relationship Help
All relationships have their bumps in the road.
Work on building yoursocial support systemoutside of the relationship and consider ending the relationship if it is ultimately unhealthy.
By being willing to analyze your relationship, you could work together to build a more fulfilling partnership.
Find out which option is the best for you.
Infidelity can have a range of causes.
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