Foundations To Healthy Relationships

All of us are looking to be in relation to one another. We all strive for a healthy relationship. What does this really look like? Although all relationships are unique, there are some key factors that most healthy relationships have in common.

Individuality; both allowing yourself and your partner to be authentic

Although you’re in a relationship, it doesn’t mean to lose your authentic self. Healthy communication and healthy boundaries are good regarding concerns or differences. When a person is in a healthy relationship, they feel safe to be themself, and to make their own choices, while respecting their partner for their own individuality.

Trust each other

It is almost impossible to fully trust another person. However, most people trust their partner until the trust is broken. You play a vital role in this as well. Little things you do, or don’t do, can contribute to whether or not trust is upheld. Be transparent, and vulnerable, apologize when you know you’re wrong. Always remember to communicate. These are all important components to a healthy and trusting partnership.

Gratitude & Generosity

Gratitude is the most powerful tool we all have inherently in our toolbox. Counseling can help you to find the positive in life again. If a client can truly see the world through a gratitude-lens, then this will greatly foster a healthy relationship.

As for generosity, it is important for you to give your time, positive words, resources, and affections in order to express your appreciation. Healthy couples also receive with gratitude, giving reciprocity to the partnership. Different individuals have different expectations of what generosity actually looks like. Therefore, it is important to be patient and to invest time and show love with gratitude.

Working Together As A Team

Even the healthiest of couples encounter challenges. The difference between a healthy or unhealthy relationship is how a couple solves these issues. Healthy partners understand that they should listen to one another when expressing concerns or feelings. Empathic communication is key here; to truly step five toes into the partner’s shoes. By doing this, it is easier for the couple to work together as a team to tackle these challenges that life will inevitably throw at us. This can be one of the most difficult challenges of your relationship; if you are struggling with acting as a team, professional assistance may be a great option for you and your partner to pursue.

Taking The Time To Pursue One Another

Simply put, life is busy. It is important to carve out time for one another. Make dating your partner a routine again—plan weekly date nights or make dinner for one another. Creating time to have intimate conversations and physical intimacy can renew the honeymoon feeling you once felt.