Relationships are tricky. And there are no shortage of unhealthy ones out there. Check out the cover of any gossip magazine if you want proof of that.
All relationships, however, are filled with ups, downs, and in-betweens. So how do you know you’re in a healthy relationship? Find out here.
1. You give each other personal space.
Healthy couples naturally spend a lot of time together. But they also recognize the importance of doing things separately. Personal space is important in any relationship. We all need time to explore, reflect, and express ourselves individually.
2. You trust each other.
Great relationships are built on a foundation of trust. Think about a bad relationship you or a friend has been in. Chances are, there were trust issues. Trusting your partner is vital, and it takes time to build. And this just happen to coincide with our next sign you’re in a healthy relationship:
3. You don’t rush milestones.
Couples in healthy relationships recognize that the best things in life are worth waiting for. That’s why they don’t rush important life milestones. They savor every moment of building a life together and take the time to celebrate the important occasions in life.
4. You can talk about anything.
Healthy couples tell each other everything. Speaking your mind can be incredibly difficult at times, but people in healthy relationships don’t hold back–even when the truth hurts.
5. You inspire each other to be better.
Healthy relationships are also built on mutual motivation and inspiration. Your partner should inspire you to be your best self, to face difficult challenges, and to change the world. Those in unhealthy relationships are content with mediocrity.
6. You appreciate the little things.
Life’s most beautiful moments often sneak up on us and catch us off-guard. Healthy couples recognize and appreciate these moments when they occur. They know the small, seemingly insignificant moments are what makes life worth sharing.
7. You accept each other for who you are.
People in healthy relationships accept each other, flaws and all. This doesn’t mean you should encourage your significant other to accept mediocrity. It does, however, mean you should accept who your partner chooses to be. Remember, there are cracks in everything, but that’s how the light gets in.
8. You hold each other up during tough times.
Life will throw you lemons every now and then. It’s inevitable. A tell-tale sign of a healthy relationship is how you support each other during these trying times. Don’t be afraid to cry together and experience pain and suffering. Tragic events often take our breath away and make us feel like the world around us is caving in. But the fact that you’re still here means you have a 100 percent success rate with overcoming tough times.
9. You’re able to let go of the past.
People in healthy relationships know that failure and mistakes are nothing but pathways to attainment. They don’t let past stumbles dictate their current relationship. We can be hurtful creatures at times. But as long as we use these moments to grow and learn, our relationships can become stronger. This leads into our final sign you’re in a healthy relationship:
10. Your relationship has gotten stronger over time.
The ultimate sign of a relationship that’s sustainable for the long-term is that it slowly builds, developing deeper roots with each passing year. There are lots of things that help make this happen (see above). I think most importantly, people in healthy relationships take the time to say (and mean) the following words often:
- I love you.
- Thank you.
- I’m sorry.
I’ll leave you to ponder this quote from the late, great David Foster Wallace.
The really important kind of freedom involves attention and awareness and discipline, and being able truly to care about other people and to sacrifice for them over and over in myriad petty, unsexy ways every day.
