What Defines a Healthy Relationship?
It's what we all search for but can rarely define: a healthy relationship. Almost mythical in stature due to talk shows and self-help books, "healthy relationships" allow you and your partner to flourish as individuals while growing together as a couple. While there is no concrete set of rules, the following guidelines are typical markers of a healthy relationship.
1. Give and take. Couples in healthy relationships are a true team. Neither partner dominates the decisions, the affection-giving, or the responsibilities. This translates into action in many ways. On a simple level, if your boyfriend picked the restaurant last time, it's your turn next time. On a deeper level, if you're always the one apologizing after an argument, this may be a red flag.
2. Intimate sharing. In a healthy relationship, you should feel comfortable sharing your thoughts, your dreams, your goals, and your gripes. If you're lucky enough to be in a healthy relationship, you've got a partner who wants to know what's on your mind and who you can open up to anytime. While it's okay to keep some things to yourself, you and your partner should be receptive listening posts for each other.
3. Shared goals. Couples in healthy relationships tend to have shared goals, meaning that they both want the same things out of life. While you can have different passions--he loves guitar while you live for golf--you have a similar vision of the future. For example, do you both want children? Do you want to focus on settling down and retiring early or traveling the world? While some successful couples manage to be flexible with different life goals, the majority of those in a healthy relationship bond over having a shared dream and working towards it together.
Does Your Sleeping Position Reveal Anything about Your Love Life?
Six
Ways to Get over a Breakup
The Look of
Love: What Your Pupils Are Saying
Lifestyle Fashion and Beauty Relationships Fitness and Health Money and Finance
Travel Food and Entertaining Site Map
İUtterly Fabulous Network 2006-2007. All Rights Reserved. Email webmaster@utterlyfabulousnetwork.com.