A relationship is the connection between two or more people or things, or the state of being connected. The relationships we form with other people are vital to our mental and emotional well-being.

Naturally, we humans have an innate desire to connect with and build relationships with other people. As soon as we are born, we start to form relationships with our parents, siblings, friends, and family members.

In the process of learning how to behave and treat others, we are either exposed to healthy or unhealthy behaviours. We may not always be able to learn how to form good and healthy relationships due to a number of environmental or emotional factors. 

What are the characteristics of a healthy relationship?

These characteristics can benefit towards creating healthy friendships, romantic relationships and family relations. 

Communication

An important part of any relationship is how you communicate with your friends or partners. Everyone involved should be able to express feelings, opinions, and beliefs. When communicating, keep tone and phrasing in mind. When people text instead of speaking in person or by phone, miscommunication occurs often. You can eliminate miscommunication by figuring out what is the best way to communicate together.

Trust

You should trust each other in a relationship. If you’re unsure if you can trust someone, communicate your feelings to them. Think about what makes you not trust them. Has it been something they’ve done, or has it happened in a previous relationship? Talk to each other and find a way to build trust. 

Honesty 

It is important to communicate honestly with people. Everyone should be able to express their concerns and feelings. If you feel uncomfortable being honest with someone, consider the reason and get support if you need it.

Safety 

Obtaining safety is at the heart of a healthy relationship. When you feel safe in expressing your feelings, having independence, or anything else in this list, you are more likely to set boundaries, communicate, and have fun.

Compassion

Compassion means being able to recognize when the other person needs support and being loving and kind as they go through it. There are a number of ways in which this can be done such as listening carefully without judgement when they are venting or confiding in you or forgiving them for a mistake they have made.

Privacy

Privacy builds trust and intimacy. A partner who wants privacy doesn’t mean he or she is hiding anything. Every person has the right to privacy, and it should not be compromised in any relationship. 

Support

Support is an important component of any relationship. In addition to supporting one another, you should recognize your own needs and communicate boundaries regarding support.

Boundaries

A person sets boundaries for themselves that others must respect on a physical, emotional, and mental level. If you and your friends or partners are doing something together, you should feel comfortable. You should respect the boundaries of everyone involved. Whether you want the relationship to be romantic, sexual, or platonic, discuss what you want it to be like.

Consent

In every relationship, consent is a necessity. Consent is uncoerced permission to interact with another person’s body or life. In order to gain something, a person can exert pressure, force, bargain, or hold power over another. Asking about boundaries in relationships, listening to responses, and respecting those boundaries can be part of consent.

Independence

Relationships require time to yourself. It’s important to have time for self-care or opportunities to hang out with others. Establish designated areas in your place where you can spend time alone if you live with a partner or friend.

Responsibility

You may find yourself saying something hurtful or making a mistake from time to time. Take responsibility for your actions and do not blame your partner(s) or friend(s). Taking responsibility for your actions will reinforce trust and honesty.

Healthy Conflict

It’s normal to talk about issues or disagreements. While you won’t find someone with the exact same interests, opinions, and beliefs as you, it’s important to communicate your feelings and opinions while being respectful and kind. A healthy relationship involves communicating your feelings and opinions while being respectful and kind.

Fun

The most important part of all of these components is that you should enjoy your relationships with others. Couples who have fun together feel positive emotions, increase relationship satisfaction, overcome differences, and are more likely to overcome difficult challenges when they work together. Again, your relationships should enhance your well-being, not undermine it.

At the end of the day, we remember that we are all human and having connection in our lives, bring about the closeness that we naturally crave.

If you or someone you know is in an unhealthy relationship, learn more about finding qualified, quality help for your relationship or search directly on Conrati for an online therapist or counsellor.