You’re in love, that you’re sure of, but just how do you know you’re in a healthy, adult relationship? If you’ve had your fair share of partnerships in the past, you’ll know identifying the green lights of a relationship are just as important as the red ones that signal it’s time to pump the breaks. No relationship is perfect, but recognizing all the elements that exist at the heart of a happy couple is sure to spell out success for your future together. The following six signs will help you establish whether your relationship is on track for smooth sailing ahead.
You’re able to spend time apart
Sure you’ll both want to spend every free moment together, but you both should understand and respect that you each need your own space. Even if it’s just to take a step back and spend some time alone at home, acknowledging that you each have individual interests and needs is key to a happy partnership. Healthy individuals are able to understand the balance of a happy medium, and are able to be themselves outside of the relationship with friends, family members and activities, without the other person tagging along. In a healthy relationship, you shouldn’t ever feel suffocated and controlled by your partner, and you should be able to take some “me” time without the other feeling insecure, jealous or hurt. If you completely depend on each other to do everything together, your relationship will quickly become co-dependent — and not to mention boring — and one of you is left feeling resentful at some point. It’s totally normal, natural and okay for the two of you to be apart, which is why trust is so important.
You trust each other completely
This may seem like a no-brainer, but establishing and maintaining trust is a fundamental building block for a healthy, loving relationship. Both partners should have faith in one another and feel totally safe and secure within their partnership. This person is the one you’re choosing to spend most of your time with — and possibly the rest of your life — so you need to be 100% positive you’re able to trust them wholeheartedly and genuinely. If not, your relationship will be riddled with insecurities and issues it won’t be able to survive, and it’s the complete opposite of what should make up a successful relationship.
You’re able to manage conflict well
Of course, contrary to what most people might believe, a healthy relationship doesn’t mean you’re going to be and feel happy with each other 100% of the time. Just like in life, in relationships there will always be issues you just can’t avoid, but it’s how the two of you deal with these issues as a couple that is crucial for your life together. You should be able to resolve your differences without blame or disrespect for the other person, and instead of avoiding arguments and sweeping issues under the rug, healthy couples are able to know just how to handle them and sort things out when they do inevitably surface.
You’re able to communicate effectively
When you’re in love, you want to communicate everything to your partner, no matter how big or small. These details make up your daily lives together and sharing them strengthens your emotional bond with one another. A balanced relationship means feeling comfortable sharing just about anything and everything without fear of judgment or letting personal feelings get in the way. You should be able to listen and support your partner in what they’re telling you to learn more about their thoughts, opinions and emotions to allow them to showcase their true selves.
You have mutual respect for each other
A true, healthy sign of a stable relationship is the fact that you have mutual respect for one another. No two people are alike, and while you may share common interests or personality traits, individuality is what makes us interesting. The perfect partnership means you can understand and respect each other’s differences — and maybe even like them a little? — without calling the whole thing off. Allowing the other person to be themselves, just means you respect that they’re different from you, and you should be able to appreciate a different perspective on things. How boring would it be to date someone who was exactly like you? Remember the rule is true, opposites attract, it’s a natural law.
You’re able to forgive one another
Whether in friendships, family or romantic love, loyalty and forgiveness is another key building block in maintaining a happy and healthy relationship. Even to the very best of us, mistakes can happen and nobody is perfect. All of us are guilty, at some point or another, of having ups and downs, and even moments we’re not particularly proud of. If you can accept and appreciate that your partner is human and it’s only natural to not be perfect, then your relationship will succeed. Even at your worst moments, your partner should be able to stand by and support you throughout, and they should forgive when you’re truly, genuinely sorry.
(via The Fashion Spot)
