Most people recognize the signs of a bad relationship, such as bitter
fighting, physical or emotional abuse, disrespectful behavior or
inequality between partners. The true signs of a good relationship are
not always as obvious and sometimes go unnoticed. Pay careful attention
to the way in which you interact with your partner to determine whether
you have a strong, healthy relationship.
Partners in a good relationship communicate easily with one
another. They share details of their daily lives to strengthen their
emotional bond. Having good communication in your relationship does not
mean that you should never fight. Even couples in healthy relationships
fight with one another. However, healthy couples fight fairly without
making negative personal comments or bringing up past mistakes. If your
partner fights unfairly, it can be a sign of deeper relationship
problems.
You must trust your partner for a relationship to work. If
your partner questions you about where you were or checks your phone or
email for personal information, he is demonstrating a lack of trust in
you. Partners in a healthy, trusting relationship have interests outside
one another and maintain relationships with their family or friends.
Doing every activity with your partner may be a sign that you lack
security or trust in your relationship.
To be a successful relationship, you must share equal rights
and responsibilities with your partner. One person may make more money
or enjoy more career success, but these factors should not jeopardize
your equal bond. If your partner makes all of the decisions or asks you
to pay for everything, she is not being your equal partner. There must
be compromise, fairness and equal treatment in a relationship for it to
be healthy.
People in healthy relationships have high self-esteem. A
good relationship makes you feel good about yourself, because your
partner provides you with love and support. If you feel unhappy or
negative about your appearance or self-worth, it could be a sign that
your relationship is bad. Although strong self-esteem characterizes a
healthy relationship, it is important that you not draw your self-worth
solely from your relationship. If you feel good about yourself only
because you are in a relationship or because you are dating someone
attractive or wealthy, your relationship may be unhealthy.
A true sign of a good relationship is mutual respect. Both
partners must respect one another to make a relationship work.
Respecting your partner's opinions, intelligence and abilities makes her
feel like a valued person. Mutual respect also extends to your personal
information. If your partner does not want to share a deeply personal
detail about her life, respect her right to personal privacy. Respect
also extends to the realm of sexual intimacy. If your partner forces you
to do something with which you are uncomfortable, she is being
disrespectful of your needs and preferences.
