Signs of a Healthy Relationship and Why They Matter
Having social connections that nurture you in your life can be beneficial. Both your physical and mental health can benefit. Having these interactions in your life may even prompt you to make thoughtful choices. Perhaps you are in a relationship with a partner who is important to you. You can gain insight from thinking about how healthy your connection is. Three factors that can indicate this are trust, support, and communication. If these aspects are present, your connection is likely in good shape.
Trust is gained through openness and dependability. Trust can allow you to feel secure with your partner. Support can be shown for your partner’s goals. Also, you can consider whether people in your life support your relationship. Communication through both listening and speaking can foster beneficial interactions. As you spend more time with your partner, you can feel more comfortable sharing about yourself.
A Sense of Trust
Verywell Mind states: “Trust is a key component of healthy relationships.” Your approach to trust may be influenced by interactions from previous relationships. Additionally, trust can be established in a current relationship through proactive, positive interactions. Verywell Mind explains: “Trust is… established by how two people treat one another.”
You can become trustworthy in someone’s eyes by being dependable. Trust can also be established through comfort with emotional vulnerability. You and your partner can gain one another’s trust. Cleveland Clinic advises that “there’s no real replacement for time when it comes to trust.” Trust can grow as you and your partner are reassuringly honest and reliable. Verywell Mind states that your connection then becomes a “source of comfort and security.”
An Atmosphere of Support
Providing support to one another is important for the health of your partnership. Walden University states that it is “important that your significant other supports your dreams.” These dreams can include goals for education, creativity, or entrepreneurship. Two people in a couple do not have to share identical goals. It is more important that they support one another in achieving success. If you feel you have this support, your connection is likely healthy. A nurturing connection is one in which partners show enthusiasm for one another’s ambitions.
It can bode well for your relationship to have the support of people around you. Your friends and family know you well. If they support your relationship, this may mean that they think your partner is good for you. If they have feelings of hesitation, it may be worth asking why. Perhaps they see an unhealthy pattern that you are missing.
A Commitment to Communication
Healthy communication is also essential. Walden University explains: “Good communication helps couples express themselves, connect, and resolve conflicts.” It is important to communicate clearly during arguments and during happy times. Being able to tell your partner what you are thinking about is essential. You also need to be prepared to actively listen to your partner.
Communication can include being able to share your real self with your partner. Verywell Mind states: “Being open with each other helps you feel more connected as a couple.” Sharing more and more with your partner happens as your connection grows. You spend time together, and you discuss memories, interests, and hopes. Having a level of comfort that facilitates the sharing of thoughts is important.
General Importance of Having Healthy Relationships
Prioritizing finding nice people to connect with and nurturing supportive connections can help your life. There has been research that has indicated that healthy social interactions and connections are beneficial. According to Verywell Mind, research has shown these connections to be “critical for optimal health.” Both physically and mentally, people benefit from supportive interpersonal interactions. They have been shown to have good health outcomes and even frequently live longer. People with these connections have also been shown to make positive life choices.
