Qualities in a Healthy Relationship
Written by: Madeline Redetzky, M.S.
We all have different experiences with relationships throughout our lives. They can range from healthy to unhealthy to even abusive in some cases. Sometimes when our relationship history has more unhealthy and abusive moments rather than healthy, it can be difficult to even picture what healthy looks like. Today, I discuss what healthy qualities look like within a relationship.
A key factor in a healthy relationship is based on communication. This means that there is a willingness to communicate or work on improving communication. This is a constant area of growth for every couple. Now, with communication comes disagreements. Partners in a healthy relationship can talk about the current problems that exist. As a reminder, there is no such thing as a perfect relationship. It is always changing and growing and a commitment to working together on them is a healthy quality.
In addition, a willingness to compromise is important. However, as much as we may want to get our way, a compromise shows respect and care for one another. Our partners also may have boundaries that are important to who they are as an individual in a relationship. These boundaries may be physical, emotional, mental, and more. As a healthy partner, we can respect those while still showing them we care when/if they are ever ready. For example, a simple affirmation of their feelings can show them your care. This may sound like “I notice that you may be feeling upset. I am here when you are ready to share it with me.”
Lastly, every single person has their own love language. Just like we may not always speak other languages and a connection is not made, using the wrong love language can cause someone is not feel cared about as much as we may try to show it. The types of love languages include quality time, words of affirmation, physical touch, receiving gifts, and acts of service. Keep in mind that it is possible that your love language may not be the same as your partners and these can also change over time. If you are unsure what you and your partner’s love languages are and what examples are of each, check out https://www.5lovelanguages.com/ to learn more!