Isabella Chase
If you’ve ever wondered what a healthy relationship should look like, you’re in the right place.
Building a healthy relationship isn’t always easy—it’s more of a journey than a walk in the park.
It requires setting and maintaining realistic expectations, and let’s be honest, that can get a little tricky at times.
Having been through my own ups and downs in relationships, I’ve learned that psychology offers some incredibly useful insights.
Psychology isn’t just about diagnosing and treating mental health conditions; it’s also about understanding human behavior—and that includes what makes a relationship thrive.
So, buckle up and let’s dive into what it really takes to build a healthy, lasting relationship!
1) Open and honest communication
Just imagine this – you’ve had a long day at work and you’re coming home to your partner.
You want to share your frustrations, but you’re met with indifference or worse, dismissal. Doesn’t feel great, does it?
According to psychology, effective communication is the backbone of any relationship.
It’s the bridge that connects two individuals and helps them understand each other’s needs, wants, and emotions.
If you can’t talk openly with your partner about what’s bothering you or express your feelings without fear of judgment, resentment can build up over time.
This can lead to misunderstandings, and before you know it, a small issue blows up into a major conflict.
And remember, it’s not just the words that matter but also the tone and body language used.
We often say more with our non-verbal cues than we do with our words.
2) Accepting imperfections
In the land of social media comparisons and romantic comedies, it’s easy to fall into the trap of expecting your partner to be perfect. But let’s face it – no one is.
It’s important to remember that your partner, like you, is human.
And humans are beautifully flawed. These imperfections are what make us unique.
Psychology tells us that accepting your partner’s flaws, rather than trying to change them, can actually strengthen your bond.
This isn’t about tolerating harmful behaviors but about understanding that everyone has their quirks.
Instead of focusing on your partner’s imperfections, try to appreciate the qualities that drew you to them in the first place.
Their ability to make you laugh, their kindness towards others, or their passion for their hobbies.
3) Emotional support
During these times, having a partner who is there for you can make a world of difference.
Emotional support is fundamental in a relationship.
It’s about being there for your partner not only during the bright and happy days but also during the dark and stormy ones.
When people feel emotionally supported, they are more likely to be resilient in the face of adversity.
This is why having someone by your side who validates your feelings and provides comfort can be incredibly healing.
Being emotionally supportive also means celebrating each other’s successes.
It’s about taking joy in your partner’s achievements and being their biggest cheerleader.
4) Giving each other space
Love is about wanting to spend every moment together, right? Well, not quite.
As much as you love your partner, it’s still essential to have some ‘me’ time. We all have our own interests, hobbies, and friends that make us who we are.
Spending time apart allows us to nurture these aspects of our lives and can actually bring you closer together.
It’s not about distancing yourself from your partner, but rather about respecting each other’s need for personal space.
This space can help you maintain your individuality and contribute to a healthier relationship dynamic.
Go ahead, take that yoga class you’ve been thinking about or spend an afternoon reading that book you’ve been meaning to get to.
Your relationship will thank you for it.
5) Shared goals and values
Imagine you’re a homebody who loves quiet nights in, but your partner is a social butterfly who thrives on parties and social events.
Or perhaps you dream of traveling the world, but your partner prefers to stay close to home. Sounds challenging, doesn’t it?
Having shared goals and values is like having a common language in a relationship.
It allows you to understand each other better and gives your relationship direction.
It’s not about having identical interests or hobbies, but about aligning on the bigger things – like your views on marriage, children, money, or even how you spend your leisure time.
6) Trust and integrity
Picture this – you’ve planned a surprise birthday party for your friend, and you’ve asked your partner to keep it a secret.
But then, they accidentally spill the beans. It’s a small thing, but it makes you wonder if you can trust them with bigger things.
Trust is the bedrock of any relationship.
It’s about believing that your partner will do what they say, be reliable, and stay faithful.
Integrity, on the other hand, is about doing the right thing even when no one is watching.
It’s about being honest and sticking to moral principles.
7) Mutual respect
Let’s get straight to the point here – if your partner doesn’t respect you, they don’t deserve you. Period.
Respect is about acknowledging each other’s individuality and treating each other with kindness.
It’s about valuing each other’s opinions, listening without interrupting, and never belittling each other.
It goes beyond just being polite. It’s about recognizing your partner’s worth and treating them in a way that reflects that understanding.
Remember, everyone deserves to be treated with respect.
Don’t settle for anything less.
Wrapping up
The journey to a healthier and more fulfilling relationship begins with you—and it’s all about what you value and expect in your partnership.
This article has aimed to shed light on the eight healthy expectations that can help to strengthen your relationship.
But remember, it’s not just about understanding these expectations, but also about putting them into practice.
Keep in mind, it’s not just about meeting these expectations yourself, but also about finding a partner who understands and values them as well.
Here’s to building healthier, happier relationships, filled with love, respect, and understanding!
