Whether you’ve been in a relationship before or this is your first. Here are five essential factors for a happy relationship.
1. Respect
Respecting your partner does not only mean talking to them nicely in public but there are many more things beyond that. Listening to your partner rather than wanting to cut them off while they are saying their perspective is crucial in showing your respect for your partner. In a healthy relationship, it is also important to respect your partner’s choices and not make an attempt to persuade them to change their minds when they are certain about doing some things. It is okay if you do not understand everything your partner does and everybody they interact with. You must trust them and be mindful of their feelings, even in the oddest times.
2. Communication
Yes, it is true that “communication is key” for a healthy relationship, and there is a reason behind it. Good communication between you and your partner can problem-solve issues easier. When starting a relationship, it is important to be able to talk to your partner about what exactly you want from them. Opening up to your partner on things that are bothering you, giving compliments to each other or expressing feelings also shows improvement in a relationship. Thus, finding a communication balance and settling on things you are both comfortable with is a major key to a healthy relationship.
3. Support
In life, there are times when we all go vulnerable and want someone to be by our side to hug us and tell us that everything will be alright. One of the best things in a healthy relationship is to have the support of your partner and know that they have your back. Having someone stick up for you in bad situations or having someone you can rely on, or treating each other as equals shows immense mutual support. A supportive partner
will encourage you to spend time with friends and family, work toward your personal goals and have a life outside your relationship and desire that you get what is best for you.
4. Trust
All healthy relationships require mutual trust. It takes time to build confidence in a relationship, and when your partner completely trusts you and your feelings, make sure that you do not break their trust. Doing things that make them jealous will surely not lead you anywhere, and therefore, there is no point in inflicting your relationship with such ideas. Affection, support, respect and communication will naturally strengthen your trust in each other and contribute to bringing you closer one step at a time.
5. Boundaries
There are certain things in our life or, say, personal boundaries that make us feel good, comfortable and safe. If your relationship is a healthy one, you must feel comfortable sharing these boundaries with your partner and make sure they are respected. It is okay if you only wish to hang out with them only 2 or 3 times a week, or if you wish to wait before going intimate. All boundaries need to be talked out with your partner. Remember that you shouldn’t feel nervous or scared to set personal boundaries in any relationship.
If you think that you can benefit from professional support on this issue you can reach here.
Charlie Chen is studying psychology and is currently doing an internship with Willingness. His research interests are existential approaches and affirmative therapy.
References:
Caddell, J. (2021). 3 Key Factors Your Relationship Needs. Verywell Mind. https:// www.verywellmind.com/qualities-of-healthy-relationships-2337785 Thrive. (2019). A happy, healthy relationship should have these 8 traits – Thrive. Thrive. https://thrive.kaiserpermanente.org/thrive-together/live-well/8-traits-happy healthy-relationship