How to Build Healthy Relationships That Last

Posted: March 8, 2022

People with healthy relationships live longer, have stronger immune systems, and have lower blood pressure. But even healthy relationships can be challenging at times – it’s not always laughter and love.

Building or maintaining a healthy relationship with a partner takes time and effort. This guide is a brief introduction of what it means to be in a healthy relationship and how you and your partner can get there, together.

What Is a Healthy Relationship?

In a healthy relationship, there is a balance of power. Both people feel respected and safe. A healthy relationship involves honesty, communication, and independence.

Having a healthy relationship doesn’t mean that you never disagree with your partner. It means that when you do disagree you are able to talk about it. And you can resolve the conflict in a mature way where both parties come to an agreement. Some couples find that couples therapy is a helpful way to learn about healthy conflict resolution.

A healthy relationship also means spending time alone or with people other than your significant other. Maintaining social connections with friends and family can help boost your mental health.

Characteristics of a healthy relationship look different for different couples but quality time, active listening, and respectful conflict resolution are at the heart of it (pun intended!).

What Is an Unhealthy Relationship?

Unhealthy relationships, also known as toxic relationships, don’t always mean constant fighting. Sometimes it’s hard to determine whether a person should stay or leave the relationship.

Physical, mental, or emotional abuse are not acceptable in any relationship. Manipulation and imbalance of power are also red flags in a relationship. Seek professional advice if you are worried that you are in an unhealthy relationship or you don’t know how to leave a relationship.

Building a Healthy Relationship

Starting a healthy relationship involves setting realistic expectations. It’s not a good idea to enter a relationship hoping you can change something about the other person or trying to change yourself for that person. But if you are looking to build skills to handle your emotions, consider emotion-focused therapy.

Spend quality time with your partner without distractions. Show them you’re paying attention by listening and showing interest in what they have to say. Take opportunities to show appreciation for your partner.

A major part of a healthy relationship is learning healthy communication. Practice by using “I” statements to explain how your partner’s words or actions harmed you. It’s possible that they did not intend to hurt you. Communicating openly and often can help couples deepen their connection over time.

Start Experiencing the Benefits of Healthy Relationships

Hopefully, you have learned something new from this article on healthy relationships. Remember that a healthy relationship doesn’t mean there are never conflicts. But it does mean mutual respect and communication.

You deserve to be in a healthy relationship and this year could be the start of something wonderful! Looking for more relationship advice, schedule an appointment with me today.

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As an experienced California relationship coach, I offer online counseling & coaching in California for individuals, couples, and families.

For more information, you can email me at [email protected] or call me at 949-385-2544 today for a free consultation.