What Makes A Healthy Relationship

Relationships make our world go around. Whether it is a relationship with a coworker, a best friend, a spouse, or a boyfriend (girlfriend), there are many expectations placed on relationships. Let’s look at what makes a healthy relationship.

A healthy relationship depends on trust, honesty, and communication.

These three things go hand-in-hand. You can’t really have one without the others. No matter whom your closest relationships are with (friends, co-workers, or significant others), these three principles are so important. They are the firm foundation for a solid and long-lasting relationship.

A healthy relationship isn’t perfect. 

When seeking a spouse, many get caught up in finding the “perfect” person. Some believe that you will only be happy if your relationship is “perfect.” Perfection is an unrealistic expectation to put on another person, or even ourselves. A good relationship will have arguments and disagreements, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t relationships worth keeping and working on. Which leads to our next point…

A healthy relationship has arguments. 

Whenever two or more people spend time with each other, they are bound to disagree on things. Just because you disagree with someone or have an argument, doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t be with that person (if it is a boy/girlfriend), or that you need to avoid spending time with them (if it is a co-worker, professor, friend, or even roommate). It is important, and healthy, to work things out. Talk about your argument or conversation. Try not to leave anything up in the air. If you want to say something to resolve an argument, say it. But be sure to take time to really listen to the other person’s view. You may learn something you didn’t know, or even come to recognize that it’s ok that you don’t think alike. Different opinions and ideas lead to unique solutions. Also, don’t wait until tomorrow to say you are sorry because we aren’t promised tomorrow.

A healthy relationship isn’t selfish.

Whenever a relationship is about selfish gain (from either person), the relationship becomes unhealthy. For example, if you only reach out to your friend for money or something else, like sex, or their car. If this is the only reason you are in contact with them, you are using them and not in a healthy relationship. On the other hand, if a relationship becomes selfish of your own time; for example, you do not feel “allowed” to have other friends, spend time with family, or participate in activities that are important to you, the relationship is unhealthy.

A healthy relationship isn’t abusive.

If the relationship becomes very argumentative (where you fight daily or several times a day), violent, or even abusive, you need to find professional help. Remember, if the relationship is verbally or physically abusive, the best thing to do is to get out of that situation before things get worse. You should never stay in an abusive situation.

The key to a healthy relationship is trust, honesty and communication. If you are experiencing any of the above situations that are not healthy, seek advice from someone you trust or consult a professional. You deserve to be in a healthy relationship.

AVA Care is here to Advocate for you, Validate your concerns and provide Answers to your questions. We are here for you – no matter what you decide. Schedule an appointment online or call 540.434.7528 today.