What Are The Hallmark Signs of a Healthy Relationship?

In all of our relationships, we want a healthy connection. Healthy relationships mean that each individual in the relationship is supported and feels that the relationship positively contributes to their well-being. It may be difficult to take a step back and recognize what the signs of a healthy relationship are, and this blog will help note a few key points to keep in mind!

Trust

Trust is an important factor in keeping a healthy relationship between you and another individual. Trust provides a sense of a safe space and vulnerability between people, and with trust you know that you can be comfortable with each other.  You both feel you can be vulnerable with one another and that you both will support the other while also maintaining your independence and healthy boundaries

If you feel that trust is something you are lacking in your relationship, try to build trust through being honest with each other, being consistent with both your words and actions, and communicating effectively. 

Open Communication

Individuals in a healthy relationship are able to comfortably face difficult conversations together. This looks like listening to the other person without judgment when they share their perspective, even if it may be different from yours. It is important to remember that this communication goes both ways, and that every person in the relationship deserves to feel safe to voice their thoughts and needs. To build open communication, set aside time to talk, be open about your needs, and both work at trying to communicate more compassionately and meaningfully.

Independence

When thinking of a relationship, independence may not immediately come to mind for a lot of people. However, it is essential to recognize the need for personal space and enjoying who you are without another person. Spending time together and growing the relationship is important as well, but not having a solid sense of self can impact the relationship dynamic and may even lead to unhealthy attachment or codependency.  

Taking some time apart from another person to spend time relaxing, pursuing a hobby, or understanding yourself further, is healthy. Building a relationship with yourself makes your relationships with other people stronger too!

Conflict Resolution

A strong and healthy relationship involves each person working together to resolve conflicts in an proactive, kind and respectful manner. Even in healthy relationships, occasional disagreements and frustrations will occur. However, addressing conflict without judgement and working together to come up with a compromise is important for  making sure disagreements don’t escalate and create emotional hurt. 

It can be difficult to resolve conflicts, but try to work on directly expressing your thoughts, focusing on one argument at a time, and staying open-minded. 

If you feel that your relationships are unhealthy or you need some guidance, please reach out to us.

We can help you with many different relationships whether that be romantic, friendly, or family-oriented. Recognizing your relationship is struggling is the first step to resolving some of the difficulties you may be facing. Reach out to us to book your first free 15-minute consultation for couples therapy or family therapy.