Relationships are a critical part of life and play an important role in our mental and emotional wellbeing. Research shows that strong social ties can improve mental health, lower rates of anxiety and depression, and add years to our lives.
When you’re in a healthy relationship, you feel comfortable, connected and secure with the person you’re with. You know that you can trust them to be there for you, and you’re willing to share your vulnerabilities with them. Ultimately, having certainty in your relationship helps you avoid painful emotions and stay positive when things get tough.
Having a healthy relationship isn’t easy and it doesn’t happen overnight, but if you can commit to the work involved, it can be well worth the effort. Here are some tips to help you create the kind of relationship that will make you happy and healthy for years to come.
1. Love, affection and support: This may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s one of the most important aspects of a healthy relationship. When you feel loved and supported by your partner, you’re much more likely to take risks in life and chase after your goals.
2. A balanced relationship: This may be the most challenging aspect of a healthy relationship. It’s not always clear what balance looks like, but it should be a place where you feel equal amounts of affection and energy from your partner.
3. Physical intimacy: This is another essential ingredient in a healthy relationship and requires time, commitment and effort to achieve. You can create a foundation for intimacy in your relationship by spending quality time together, following through with your actions, and respecting your partners’ needs when it comes to physical contact.
4. Communication: Communicating with your partner regularly will help you understand each other and address any concerns or problems that arise. This can include apologizing for mistakes, being honest even when it’s difficult, and being open to listening when they talk.
5. Body language: Nonverbal cues like facial expression, body position and tone of voice can tell you a lot about how your partner is feeling. You can use this information to communicate how you feel with them, and it can also show you how they’re responding to you.
6. Keeping your relationship healthy: It’s important to remember that relationships are always a work in progress and that there will be times when they aren’t as healthy as they could be. This can include issues like conflict or abuse, and it’s important to find ways to keep your relationship healthy and safe.
7. Self-care: When you’re in a healthy relationship, it’s important to take care of yourself and your well-being. You need to eat well, exercise, sleep enough and make time for the things that matter most to you.
8. Financial security: Money can be a big concern when you’re in a relationship, but it’s also important to save for the future. Saving can help you build up a nest egg for your retirement and other long-term goals.