Relationship

What is a healthy relationship?

A healthy relationship is when two people develop a connection based on: mutual respect, trust, honesty, support, fairness/equality, separate identities, good communication, and a sense of playfulness/fondness (Ref: Hall Health Center, University of Washington).

Tips for keeping and maintaining a healthy relationship

1. Communicate:

Communication is a very important thing in a relationship, every breach in communication between you and your partner gives room for hazards in a relationship. To keep and maintain a healthy relationship with your partner, never stop the flow of communication. Even if your partner is far away, try as much as possible to talk on the phone at least once in two days. Lack of communication can lead to distrust, doubt, cheating, and many other relationship hazards, so no matter what, keep the flow of communication in your relationship.

2. Never say you're fine when you're not:

This is one thing you must avoid in your relationship to keep it healthy. Say what you feel just as you feel it, and be open-minded and outspoken. If you are mad at your partner for any reason, make it known to them. Keeping grudges in your heart is dangerous and can lead to hate, say things as you feel it, don't let them pile up in your heart and lead to something else.

3. Don't lie to your partner:

This is the easiest way to make someone lose trust in you. Just one lie you tell can make your partner lose his/her trust in you and doubt if all the things you told them in the past were true. So one thing you should avoid in your relationship is telling a lie.

4. Never keep secrets:

One of the hazards of relationships is keeping secrets. While some feel they can't tell their partner everything, it is good to be with someone you can share anything with. So if you are in a relationship where you can't tell your partner some things about you, then that relationship is not healthy. You shouldn't even date or marry someone you can't tell everything. One of the reasons you shouldn't keep secrets is because secrets always have a way of getting out. And when it does, your partner may lose trust in you. Secrets also lead to bigger secrets, so you should avoid keeping secrets if you want to have a healthy relationship.

5. Don't forget the small things:

Learn to say thank you to your partner when necessary, and learn to apologize to your partner when you're wrong and sometimes when you're right. Learn to say words like please, sorry, thank you e.t.c. when necessary. Never feel too big to apologize or say thank you.

6. Never go to bed angry:

When you have a misunderstanding with your partner, learn to settle it before going to bed. You shouldn't carry sorrow or anger to the following day. There's no perfect relationship, misunderstanding is sure, but your ability to manage them determines how your relationship will turn out. When you have a misunderstanding with your partner, let go of the grudges before the next day. Every new day should start with joy and happiness.

7. Spend quality time together (face to face):

To keep a healthy relationship, you have to spend quality time together face to face. Spending good time together keeps the love stronger, and as the love gets stronger, the bond gets stronger. No matter how busy you get, make time for each other, because the more you stay away from each other, the more the chances of cheating, getting bored of the relationship, and falling out of love increase.