5 Signs You Are in a Healthy Relationship

Have you ever been in a relationship that just feels right? Ever wonder what makes it so good? The answer is actually quite simple. There are basic elements that happy, healthy relationships are built on, and if your relationship is based on the principles below, there’s a good chance it is a strong one.

Mutual respect is the foundation of any relationship. If you are in a good relationship, you probably respect your partner’s job, interests, core values, and boundaries. Keep it up. Respect is what all other aspects of a healthy relationship are based on.

We all strive to be honest and truthful, but sometimes we hold back on being completely honest with a partner for fear of how they will respond. But if you feel like you can be open and honest with your thoughts and feelings with and for each other, then you are on the right path. In a healthy relationship, you shouldn’t feel that you have to hide anything about yourself from your partner.

Trusting that your partner won’t do anything to hurt you physically or emotionally, won’t threaten the relationship with their actions, and will respect your privacy and independence. Trusting your partner is one of the hardest things to do, but if you’ve established a mutual trust, your relationship is only going to grow.

In a healthy relationship, both partners are free to pursue a life and an identity beyond their relationship. That means that you each are fine with the other having outside relationships with family and friends, that both are supportive of the other’s interests and hobbies, and that they do not need to be involved in every aspect of their partner’s life.

It’s not about if you fight, it’s how you fight. Disagreements in a relationship are normal, but if you disagree, address the issue, and then resolve it with honesty and respect, you’re doing it right. Some couples may say that they never fight. They do. But because they resolve problems respectfully, it doesn’t feel like a fight.

Relationships based on the principles above are the happiest and the healthiest. Of course, no relationship is ever perfect, and you may have to work on one or more of these aspects over time. But it is useful to know why your relationship is so good and what you need to maintain, work on, and strive for to help it last and grow. Keep up the good work.