Relationships – 8 Things to Know About Healthy and Unhealthy Relationships
A relationship is an emotional or social association between two or more people. This includes romantic relationships, but it also covers the many interactions we have with other people in our lives – such as work colleagues, friends, family members and neighbors.
Relationships can come in all shapes and sizes, and defining what makes one type of relationship different from another can be tricky. But here are some common ways to distinguish between healthy and unhealthy relationships, according to John Gottman, executive director of the relationship research institute The Love Lab in San Francisco.
1. The right amount of trust
In a relationship, trust is essential for both partners to feel secure and to be able to express their feelings. It allows both partners to communicate without fear of hurting the other person, and it promotes intimacy and growth.
2. The right amount of honesty
Honesty is essential for any relationship to grow and thrive. It helps you identify and solve problems, discuss important matters and avoid misunderstandings.
3. The right amount of respect
In healthy relationships, each partner has the right to be treated with respect. That means treating your partner with dignity and respecting their opinions, regardless of whether they are similar to yours.
4. The right amount of affection
In good relationships, both partners give and receive lots of love. This can include physical affection, such as hugs and kisses. It can also include acts of service and generosity.
5. The right amount of commitment
In a good relationship, both parties commit to being there for the other person in a way that is healthy and meaningful. That can mean doing something special for them, such as spending time together and making plans with them.
6. The right amount of friendship
A strong relationship can be a good friend, as well as a romantic one. A great friend will help you through tough times and be there for you when you need someone to talk to. They will offer you advice, make you laugh and share their experiences.
7. The right amount of flexibility
In healthy relationships, both parties are able to be flexible and adapt to changes. This can be a challenge in any relationship, but it can be crucial for keeping your relationship happy and healthy.
8. The right amount of support
In a healthy relationship, both partners can turn to each other for advice and support when needed. That can include helping them get through a tough situation, such as a job loss or health problem.
9. The right amount of responsibility
In healthy relationships, each partner has the responsibility to take care of themselves and their relationship. That can include taking care of their own physical and emotional needs, such as eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly.
10. The right amount of discipline
In healthy relationships, both partners have the discipline to treat each other with respect even when they aren’t feeling their best. It’s easy to forget this when you are in the middle of a difficult situation or when you have to spend significant time away from each other, but it is essential for a healthy relationship.