You can agree that a good relationship brings out the best in a relationship. It nurtures you and gives you space to grow, both as an individual and as a couple. A good relationship is not only key to living a good life, but also a healthy one. Studies have found that couples who share a healthy relationship tend to be more stable, both mentally and physically, hence, enjoying a longer life.
Have you asked yourself lately if your relationship is still healthy? Of course, no relationship is perfect. We all have a fair share of healthy and toxic behaviors and while we are well-aware of what an unhealthy relationship looks like, we rarely hear people talk about a healthy one.&nbsp;
So, how does one really know if they&rsquo;re in a healthy relationship? Here are some characteristics of one:
1. &nbsp; &nbsp;Trust - It is a well-known fact that trust is one of the foundations of a healthy relationship. When there is trust, it becomes a great source of comfort and security.&nbsp;
2. &nbsp; &nbsp;Self-disclosure - A simple question to ask is, are you able to be yourself around your partner? In a healthy relationship, you should never feel the need to hide anything about yourself. Self-disclosure goes together with trust in building a healthy partnership.
3. &nbsp; &nbsp;Healthy Boundaries - Compromise is the key, but maintaining your boundaries is also crucial in a relationship. Healthy boundaries establish what you will and will not accept as a couple.&nbsp;
4. &nbsp; &nbsp;Mutual Respect - Good social relationships are grounded with a shared level of respect. So, it is essential to have a mutual respect for your partner. You may argue and disagree, but you should maintain your respect for one another.
5. &nbsp; &nbsp;Good Communication - When a problem arises, a healthy relationship should be able to resolve these differences effectively. In communicating with your partner, you walk towards a resolution and not resort to personal attacks.
6. &nbsp; &nbsp;Give-and-Take - A healthy relationship is determined by natural reciprocity. You do things for one another because you genuinely want to.
7. &nbsp; &nbsp;Love and Affection - You can say that you&rsquo;re in a healthy relationship if you are content with the level of affection that you both share. Finding the right mix of love and affection within your relationship can lead to progressively deeper feelings of trust, intimacy, and commitment.
There is no perfect relationship. Even if your relationship seems healthy, it is always helpful to take a step back and ponder on the improvements that you can make. The willingness to assess your relationship creates groundwork in building a fulfilling partnership.