Being in a healthy, happy relationship is one of the best feelings in the world. Here are a few green flags to look out for in your next or current relationship.
Separate Interests
In a healthy relationship, both individuals are encouraged to have their own interests. Each person feels as though they can maintain aspects of their individual self. More importantly, you and your partner don’t shame each other for exploring new hobbies. While it’s fun to explore common interests together, over time, too much dependency on one another tends to breed resentment. Investing in yourself will bring you confidence and joy.
Trust
Trust is one of the most fundamental aspects of any healthy relationship. An article written by Jessica Migala for everydayhealth.com further explains, “Trust is foundational in all relationships, but with social media and cellphones, it can become all too easy to snoop. In a healthy relationship, you don’t need to do that. In part, that’s because your partner shows you they’re trustworthy. They also show you they trust you by giving you the freedom and space you need without checking up on you constantly — and that includes checking your phone.”
Support
Every healthy relationship involves two people that are great at supporting one another. There are many opportunities for you to support your partner every day. Cheering them on and helping them through their job struggles, fitness goals, dinner prep, chores, children, etc. can mean a world of difference to someone who is struggling. Having your person right there with you helping however they can is extremely important.
You Can Speak Up for Yourself
You should always feel like you can speak up for yourself in your relationship. Chances are, there will come a time where your partner will do something you don’t like (and vice versa). A healthy relationship means you feel confident and comfortable expressing concerns without fear of anger or lashing out from your partner. Speaking up for yourself requires vulnerability from both partners. Make sure you’re both coming from a good place when entering into these conversations. It will help both you and your partner feel less defensive.
Boundaries are Respected
Healthy relationships involve respecting your partner’s boundaries and having yours respected as well. For example, if you tell your partner you’re uncomfortable with something, and they ignore your concerns and continue to do that, they’re crossing a boundaries. This will need to be worked out. If not, it could be to the detriment of your relationship. Another good example of respecting one another’s boundaries is working together with your partner to meet your common goals. Each person is responsible for part of the success. If your partner veers off the path to sabotage your ultimate goal, they aren’t respecting your boundaries.
Healthy relationships require a lot of work. It can take patience and vulnerability to get to such a good place. However, once you find it, there’s nothing better.