Relationships are as unique as the people that form them. No two are alike. We all have different needs, desires, boundaries, and goals. Our relationships are a reflection of our own personal needs, which is why we seek someone we are compatible with. Even though every single connection is individual, we all share certain needs and desires. There are things we all need to be fully met in relationship, and these things form the foundation of any healthy connection. These may be simple, but they are the keys to happy relating.
- Respect
No one is perfect, but everyone has something beautiful to bring to the table. In order for a relationship to be healthy, you have to respect your partner’s views, feelings, thoughts, and needs. And it’s a two-way street. Having respect for one another in the relationship is the foundation of trust. If there’s no trust, it won’t last.
- Sharing your feelings without fear
When we respect one another’s feelings, we move into a space of acceptance. A healthy relationship allows each partner to share their feelings without worrying about how the other will respond. Leaving things unsaid, even if it keeps things smooth in the moment, is sure to allow the relationship to sour. If we are afraid to say what we feel, the distance between us grows. And sharing those uncomfortable bits actually helps the relationship to deepen.
- Authenticity
Authenticity means being real. It means being open and honest. We all need to have honest and clear communication. And there are times when this is hard, when we feel uncomfortable “going there.” But if you don’t they won’t. Lies and half-truths create distance in a relationship. They keep us apart from one another. Lack of open, honest communication is a sure way to kill even the most beautiful connection.
- Attention and Consideration
Being in a relationship is all about really connecting. It’s about sharing time, attention, and care with your loved one. I don’t want to be in a relationship where I’m not seen and heard. Do you? Life can get busy and we all have times when there’s a lot on our plates, but if we aren’t sharing time and giving one another attention, we’re on the road to no relationship at all. If you want your love to last, make it a priority.
- Trust and Personal Responsibility
Trust is essential in any healthy relationship. We have to know that our partner cares and that they’re willing to do what’s best for us. This opens the door for trust. And if you want to receive it, you have to be willing to give it. This means taking responsibility. We each have to make a commitment to honoring our partner and doing what’s necessary to keep the bond strong.
Relationships are living, growing things. They are delicate, able to be created or destroyed with a single decision. They take work. Love alone is not enough to keep a bond strong. We also have to have a willingness to nurture the connection and keep it alive. Loving connection requires care and tending in order to stick around, but the benefits of a healthy relationship far outweigh the costs.
So it’s time to ask yourself, do you have these things in your relationship? Are you willing to do what it takes to keep love alive? And is your partner just as willing? Are you both taking responsibility for keeping the love strong?
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