Healthy relationships bring out the best in you and it will make you feel good about yourself. A healthy relationship does not mean a perfect relationship and these days no one is healthy 100% all the time, but the signs are the behaviors that you should strive for in all the relationships. Also, healthy relationships manifest themselves as healthy communication and bonding and another crucial part of a healthy relationship is loving yourself completely. Let’s look at some of the characteristics of a healthy relationship.

What is a healthy relationship?

One thing healthy relationships hugely share is adaptability. They adapt easily to the circumstances and the main fact is that we are always evolving and going through different phases in life. Let’s look at some of the other hallmarks of healthy relationships:

1) Trust

Trust includes integrity and honesty and you don’t have to keep secrets from each other. When you’re apart, you don’t have to worry about them pursuing other people. But trust goes beyond believing that they won’t disgrace you. It also means that you are comfortable and safe with them and know that they won’t hurt you physically or emotionally. Also, you know that they have your best interest in mind but also give you respect and encourage you to make your own choices. 

2) Honest Communication

Communication goes both ways and they must voice their thoughts and concerns they come up with. People who are in non-monogamous relationships will place more value on emotional check-ins and frequent communication about what’s happening with the other partners.  It also means that you feel comfortable and safe with them and know that they will not hurt you emotionally or physically. You also know that they have your best interests in mind and respect you enough to encourage you to make your own choices. 

3) Individuality

Healthy relationships are best described as an interdependent relationship. Interdependence means that you depend on each other with mutual respect and support but still maintain your identity as a unique individual. Your relationship is balanced in other words.  You know that you have their approval and love but your self-esteem does not rely on them. You don’t rely on each other to fulfill all your needs.  You still have friends and connections outside the relationship and spend time with them by pursuing your hobbies and interests. 

4) Curiosity

Keeping curiosity in your relationship simply means that you are interested in their thoughts, goals, and daily life. You want to watch them grow into their best self, You are not fixated on who they used to be or who you think they should be. It also means that you are willing to consider or talk about changes to your relationship structure if aspects of your existing relationship are less fulfilling. 

5) Time Apart

Identifying the need for personal space and time to separate from your soulmate is essential in a healthy relationship. This time might be spent relaxing solo, or spending time with your family or friends, following a hobby. Although, spending time together is crucial, setting aside time to be without your partner will be advantageous. 

6) Playfulness

When the mood is right, it’s crucial to take time for spontaneity and fun. This can change the tone of your relationship and it will make it harder to relate to each other in various ways. But being able to share fun and lighter moments that will help in relieving tension, strengthens your relationship even in difficult times.

7) Physical Intimacy

Intimacy often refers to getting physical with each other. As long as you are both on the same page about getting your needs fulfilled, your relationship will be healthy without it. It can also involve cuddling, sleeping together, and sharing kisses. Bonding is crucial in whatever type of intimacy you share.

8) Conflict resolution

A strong bond can be considered as a team, you support each other and work together even when you don’t agree on something or have goals that are not just exactly similar. In a healthy relationship, there will be some occasional disagreements and anger too that comes from time to time. Furthermore, partners who address conflict without judgment or contempt can find a solution or compromise. If you can talk about your differences politely, honestly then you are on the right track.

9) Keep going on Dates

A Friday movie night on the couch can be of great quality time, but there is something about leaving the house for a date night that makes your time together feel more special. Also, prioritize setting aside time on your calendars for a date night and get creative with your plans. Try to divide between who sits down, plans the date, or decides what you will do together. Having a date night on the books will help in breaking up your mundane routine and will give you both something to look forward to. 

10) Laughter is necessary 

Laughter truly is the best medicine and it is necessary to laugh your heart out. In addition to many positive health benefits, laughter can help you feel close to your partner and it will help you to see the good in every situation. Shared laughter will help in communicating to your partner that you share the same worldview or perspective helping you to feel more bonded together. You can also try a little more humor into your relationship to make it thrive. 

Tips for a healthy relationship

If some of the relationship red flags struck at home then both the partners may need a good step. Couples therapy is all about two people arriving to work on themselves and getting help does not mean that you’ve failed, it just means that you want to work at improving for yourselves and each other. However, the healthiest of relationships can sometimes use a little extra work. Some of the tips to ensure things that stay right on the track are:

1) Embrace each other’s differences

2) Work to solve problems as a team

3) Try new activities or hobbies together

4) Discuss personal aspirations and goals 

The bottom line

Rekindling can be difficult at times but you can rekindle the spark in long-term relationships that are not too difficult. It only takes intentional effort by both the partners and if the foundation of the relationship is based on trust, love, commitment, and communication then keeping the spark alive might look like a big challenge for both partners. The definition of a healthy relationship will differ from person to person. But the common signs of a healthy relationship include:

1) Creating a safe space for each person to feel heard

2) Have an honest communication

3) Approaching Disagreements without Judgment 

4) Maintaining Healthy Boundaries

If you are worried about your relationship or believe it is not as strong as it used to be then you can consider seeking professional support. Also, a therapist can offer guidance on when more effort is required by both partners. When it’s time to move on then also, it will help.