Relationships can be so rewarding, but they can also be hard. Bumps in the road don’t automatically mean your relationship is unhealthy, though – every couple faces trials now and then. It’s important to evaluate those “bumps” to learn if your relationship is a healthy one or if you need to reevaluate things.
Here are a few key “ingredients” for a healthy relationship.
Respect
Are you respecting his boundaries? Is he respecting yours? Establishing boundaries – before anyone even comes close to crossing them – is important for protecting your mental, physical, and emotional health. (1)
Note that respect doesn’t mean just catering to each other’s preferences. A give-and-take is beneficial when it comes to matters of preference, so maybe you watch an action movie this time and the romantic comedy next time.
Trust
Trust is a major part of the foundation of a healthy relationship. Without trust, one or both of you are going to be unhappy most of the time. Trustworthy partners are dependable and faithful in all aspects. (2)
Support
Is he your biggest fan? Are you cheering him on? Partners in healthy relationships offer care and support to one another when it comes to dreams, goals, and the things they value (even if they don’t share the same dreams and goals).
Communication
No matter the issue, both partners in a healthy relationship need to listen and be heard. This is true when it comes to big things, but it’s also true about the small things: stress, happiness, failures, successes, hopes, dreams, fears…all of it should be fair game when it comes to talking to your partner.
This isn’t always easy. In fact, when it comes to big issues, it can be tough! But it’s still important, and if your partner is trustworthy, respectful, and supportive, you might even find that communicating through those tough things brings you closer. (Don’t forget that you should be trustworthy, respectful, and supportive of him through those things, too!)
Time to Assess
This list is not all-inclusive, but these “ingredients” rank pretty high. Are these all part of your relationship, or are there areas where you and your partner need improvement? What would you add to the list?
Unexpectedly Pregnant?
An unexpected pregnancy can cause some stress on even the best of relationships, but it doesn’t have to derail your relationship. PLL is here to help you find a solution together!
Call us at 417-272-5210, text us at 417-593-1882 or schedule your appointment online today. All services are confidential and free of charge!
Disclaimer: This website and blog do not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The information provided here is only for general understanding. This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Please be aware that PLL does not provide or refer for abortion services.
Sources
- 12 Signs You’re in a Healthy Relationship. Cleveland Clinic. (2023, June 6). https://health.clevelandclinic.org/signs-of-a-healthy-relationship
- 10 Signs of a Healthy Relationship. Walden University. (n.d.) https://www.waldenu.edu/programs/psychology/resource/ten-signs-of-a-healthy-relationship