Healthy relationships are not always easy or conflict-free.
Typically, stronger couples who have been dating longer are better prepared to deal with problems in a mature way and are committed to growing as individuals and as a couple.
1. Praise your partner in front of other people.
Whoever maintains a healthy relationship says good things about their partner to their friends, their children, their relatives and their coworkers. It is the opposite of discrediting, a characteristic of less functional couples. Saying that your partner is a handyman or that he cooks the best dinners is a great way to maintain the bond and closeness.
2. They make time to spend it together.
People who have a healthy relationship take time out of their day to day to connect. I know couples who connect while walking the dog, while talking after the children go to sleep, or while watching their favorite series.
3. They laugh openly and often.
When necessary, serious things are discussed, but a sense of humor is a tremendous help in maintaining a healthy relationship. People who laugh a lot don’t usually take things very seriously and can enjoy a healthy relationship more..
4. They value the positive qualities of their partner instead of regretting the negative ones.
People in a healthy relationship don’t focus on complaints. Instead, they see the good things their partner does and strive to express their gratitude.
5. They have empathy: they put themselves on the skin of their partner.
By having empathy, couples are able to overcome the misunderstandings that usually exist in all relationships. These conflict resolution skills help people who come to my office feel heard, understood, and valued when their partner says.
6. They always tell their partner what time they will get home.
A very common reason for discord is that a member of the couple feels that they are estranged or that it is not a priority. A simple call or a text message to say when you will get home after leaving helps improve the relationship and makes your partner feels more secure.
7. They never stop flirting.
Flirting is a unique way for couples to show love and excitement for each other and to have fun doing it. When couples stop flirting, the relationship becomes boring. Couples in a healthy relationship continue to flirt with each other
8. Their discussions are not full of insults.
There are no insults, no labels or derogatory comments about their partner, whether they are together or not. I often see people resort to sarcasm, say hurtful or humiliating comments to their partner and then justify themselves by saying something like ‘it was a joke
9. They forgive each other and turn the page instead of holding a grudge.
A disagreement does not end in emotional estrangement. The two acknowledge their mistakes, apologize and turn the page. They can enjoy their life together even if an hour earlier they did not agree on something
