All romantic relationships go through ups and downs and they all take work, commitment, and a willingness to adapt and change with your partner. But whether your relationship is just starting out or you’ve been together for years, there are steps you can take to build a healthy relationship. Even if you’ve experienced a lot of failed relationships in the past or have struggled before to rekindle the fires of romance in your current relationship, you can find ways to stay connected, find fulfillment, and enjoy lasting happiness.
What makes a healthy relationship?
Every relationship is unique, and people come together for many different reasons. Part of what defines a healthy relationship is sharing a common goal for exactly what you want the relationship to be and where you want it to go.
However, there are also some characteristics that most healthy relationships have in common. Knowing these basic principles can help keep your relationship meaningful, fulfilling and exciting whatever goals you’re working towards or challenges you’re facing together.
- You maintain a meaningful emotional connection with each other: You make each other feel loved and emotionally fulfilled. There’s a difference between being loved and feeling loved. When you feel loved, it makes you feel accepted and valued by your partner, like someone truly gets you.
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You’re not afraid of (respectful) disagreement: Most couples talk things out quietly, while others may raise their voices and passionately disagree. The key to a strong relationship, though, is not been fearful about conflict. You need to feel safe to express things that bother you without fear of retaliation.
- You keep outside relationships and interests alive: Despite the claims of romantic fiction or movies, no one person can meet all of your needs. Expecting too much from your partner can put unhealthy pressure on a relationship. To stimulate and enrich your romantic relationship, it’s important to sustain your own identity outside of the relationship, keep connections with family and friends, and maintain your hobbies and interests.
- You communicate openly and honestly: A good communication is the most important part of any relationship. When two partner know what they want from the relationship and feel comfortable expressing their needs, fears, and desires, it can increase trust and strengthen the bond between them.
- Lastly Prayers: A good relationship should be build on God’s words and prayers. Make sure to have a solid foundation with God in your relationship, study God’s word together with partner and pray always.
