What Are The Characteristics Of A Healthy Relationship?

Many traits can comprise a healthy relationship, and the exact picture of a healthy relationship can vary from one couple to the next. For example, the level of romance and forms of affection that make up one healthy relationship could look completely different in a different healthy relationship. But, even with this variation, there are several characteristics that tend to be common across healthy relationships. In this article, we’ll explore some of these common characteristics, as well as how to seek help if you would like support in creating a healthier relationship with your partner.

Common characteristics of healthy relationships

The exact characteristics of healthy relationships can vary from couple to couple. However, the following characteristics are common in healthy relationships:

Open communication

Open communication is crucial to a healthy relationship. If you aren't able to talk with your partner about what is bothering you, what you love, and what you need, it can be challenging to build a strong connection, and you may instead end up bottling those things up. To avoid this, practice talking with your partner regularly about your thoughts, feelings, and needs. You can frame them using "I" statements, saying how you feel and what you are looking for. Your partner may not always understand or agree, but when you phrase your sentences in a way that shows you need something, it can help them be more open to what you are saying. And on the flip side, be open to your partner when they say things to you. Open communication goes both ways. 

Respect

Respect is another necessary component in a relationship. Respect is what helps partners to value each other’s opinions and feelings, even when they think differently. It can allow partners to handle any disagreements with empathy and compassion, rather than using hurtful words. Respect is what helps partners to listen and have patience when there is conflict. A partner that respects you is also kind to you. They help you when you need help. They're there for you and have your back. Respect is often needed for other aspects of a relationship to grow.

Compromise

When two different people enter into a relationship, two different opinions, beliefs, and lives converge. When that happens, disagreements and arguments are likely to happen at some point. You will likely not always agree with your partner. But how you argue and how you move forward is what is truly important in that situation. Good relationships often require compromise. Sometimes, compromise can look like agreeing to your partner’s opinion if it's not that big of a deal for you. Other times, it can look like meeting halfway, finding a solution that makes you both happy. When you both love each other more than being right, it's often much easier to find a mutually beneficial answer.

Trust

All of the above characteristics can also often lead to a more trusting relationship between you and your partner. Being able to trust your partner with your deepest secrets, your biggest dreams, and your most fundamental needs can be crucial to a successful relationship. When you trust your partner, you can feel safe with them, and you can know that you can count on them in tough times. You can also trust that they will remain faithful if you are in a monogamous, committed relationship. 

Growth

Healthy couples can often look back and see how far they've come from when they first met. The people we love will likely teach us things about ourselves and each other. Maybe when you met your partner, you didn't know how to be open with them. But as the relationship grew deeper, you started to open up more and trust that they would be careful with your heart. As you look back, you may see that you've become a better person by being in a relationship with them. You may also see how far your partner has come too, and how much you have both grown together as a couple. 

Affection

How affectionate are you with your partner? There are many different ways to show affection, and different people may have different ways that they prefer to be shown love. For instance, some people may prefer to receive affection through physical touch; for these people, things like holding hands, rubbing shoulders, hugging, and kissing can be ways to show your love for your partner. For others, they may prefer to receive affection from their partner through words, whether spoken or written in a note. Regardless of the approach, showing affection for each other can be key in healthy relationships. 

Honesty

In a healthy relationship, you can be completely honest with your partner. You don't have to lie to make them feel better or hide things to keep them with you. Even if you have to tell hard truths, your partner can understand that what you say comes from a place of love, so conflict or constructive comments can be more manageable. Your honesty with your partner and their honesty with you can also lead to more trust in the relationship because you know they're not going to lie or have any intentions to deceive you. The relationship feels healthy when you both are truthful in your conversations and your actions.