Everyone has an image in their head of what a healthy relationship should look like. You spend some time together, you take care of responsibilities individually and as a couple, and you nurture interesting, invigorating hobbies. Obviously, there are times when your partner is not available to you. You may both work different shifts, or maybe one of you is sick. That’s okay, as long as you both respect each other’s time away from the relationship and you don’t resent your partner for it.
Often, we see the word “relationship” used to describe everything from familial connections to professional collaborations. In reality, though, the term is far more complicated than that. Relationships include all the interactions, both romantic and nonromantic, that people have with other humans.
A healthy relationship should provide a sense of belonging and safety. It should also be a place to develop adaptive ways of coping with life’s challenges. It is important to remember, however, that the purpose of a relationship can change over time – especially as we grow and change as individuals.
In a relationship, there should be a balance between freedom and bondage. You should be able to follow your own path and explore new interests without feeling as though you’re being pulled back into the relationship. But you should also be able to feel that you’re a part of a team and that your happiness is important to your partner. It’s a delicate dance, but it is possible to find both.
The most important thing to consider is whether or not you’re compatible with your partner. You should share similar values and have the same goals for your future. If you don’t, your relationship could be a constant source of frustration and unhappiness.
You should be able to talk openly with your partner about anything and everything. This means not just sharing your favorite movies and songs, but also the things that bother you about your partner. This will give you the opportunity to work out your differences and make them more manageable. It will also help you to avoid the resentment that can build up over time.
Finally, your relationship should be a place where you can show affection. This doesn’t have to be all the time, but it should be enough to make you both smile and feel a little bit of a spark. In a healthy relationship, there shouldn’t be a day that goes by without some kind of interaction between you.
It’s true that relationships aren’t easy – but they can be worth it in the end. They can improve your mental health and physical well-being, provide a sense of belonging, and offer opportunities for personal growth and conflict resolution. If you keep these five principles in mind, you can be sure to find a happy, fulfilling relationship that will last for the rest of your life.