Dr. Tyler Jamison, a professor at the University of New Hampshire, sought to answer a crucial question in one of his insightful articles: What does it mean to be in a healthy relationship with the right person? How can we tell if our new relationship is heading in the right direction?
How Can You Recognize a Healthy Relationship with the Right Person?
Here are the 10 key signs he found:
1. Trust
Trust is the foundation of any healthy relationship. It’s like the pillar of a house. When you feel safe opening your heart and sharing your vulnerabilities without fear of being hurt or taken advantage of, you know you’re in the right place.
2. Respecting Boundaries
In a good relationship, your partner respects your boundaries. They don’t belittle you or dismiss your needs. If you express what makes you uncomfortable, they listen and adjust, rather than brushing it off or calling you “too sensitive.”
3. Communication Effort
Good communication is key. Even if your partner isn’t a natural communicator, what matters is that they try to listen and understand. They work on improving the way they connect with you.
4. Emotional Control
Life’s emotions are like a dance. A healthy partner is someone who doesn’t lose control when things get tough. Instead, they help you find the rhythm again and work together to regain balance.
5. Independence
Love is like flying in a hot air balloon. You need to stay close enough to keep it afloat, but far enough apart to give each other space to breathe. A good relationship is one where you are side by side, yet independent.
6. Responsibility
A relationship is a game for two. Each person is responsible for their own actions, not just a spectator. In a healthy dynamic, both parties take accountability.
7. More Smiles Than Tears
In a positive relationship, there are far more moments of joy than tears. You find yourself smiling more and feeling better about life as a whole.
8. Self-Growth
Being with the right person makes you love yourself more. You feel better in every aspect of your life, and you see positive changes in your attitude and habits.
9. Connection to the World
When you’re with the right partner, you feel more connected to the world around you. Things seem calm, and your place in life feels secure.
10. Teamwork
When things go wrong, they don’t blame you or make you feel bad. Instead, they come to you and say, “How can we fix this together?”
One friend once said something beautiful:
“Since I started this relationship, I feel calmer, I study better, I cook better, and I complain less.”
Share your thoughts on what makes a relationship truly healthy, and pass this post along to help others find the right path to meaningful connections!
