Nothing beats the joy that comes with a healthy relationship. But with all the bad examples in the media, it can be surprisingly hard to define what a good relationship actually looks like. Here are five simple signs your relationship is a healthy one.
1. You Laugh Together—A Lot!
Healthy relationships are fun. Sure, there’s work involved, but the number one sign of a good relationship is the ability to let loose and laugh together. A healthy relationship is one where you and your partner genuinely enjoy each other's company.
There will always be ups and downs. But if conflict is your norm, you and your partner need to talk.
2. You Don’t Snoop Through Each Other’s Messages
It may sound cliché, but it’s absolutely true: every healthy relationship is built on trust— both in the real world and online. Healthy couples are open and honest with each other about everything, so there’s never a need to play cyber-detective with your partner’s text messages.
If you constantly feel the need to sneak a peek at your partner’s Snapchats, you might want to ask yourself if you really trust your partner—and if this relationship is really healthy for you.
3. You Still Say “Please” and “Thank You”
Sometimes it’s the little things that reveal whether your relationship is healthy. Unhealthy couples often forget their manners, so ordinary requests start to sound like demands, while thoughtful gestures feel unnoticed.
Healthy partners say please and thanks to show appreciation for the things they do for each other. Saying “thanks” for something small—like when your partner remembers to buy your favorite post-yoga snack—can go a long way towards showing you don’t take him or her for granted.
4. You Keep The Past In The Past
Have you had arguments snowball into an all-out grudge match that brings up every fight you’ve ever had? Don’t worry—every couple has experienced this at one time or another. However, healthy couples make a serious effort to let the past stay in the past, showing forgiveness, acceptance, and a willingness to work towards a brighter future.
Arguments are normal, but conflicts should end in mutual forgiveness—not simmering resentment that’s waiting to blow up next time you can’t agree on what to eat for dinner.
5. You Feel Like Your Best Self With Your Partner
A healthy relationship isn’t just about how you relate to each other; it’s also about how the relationship affects you as an individual. A healthy relationship never requires giving up your sense of independence and self-worth. If you feel empowered to work towards your goals and tackle life’s challenges with your partner, then chances are you’ve found something good.
Remember, healthy relationships need self-love and self-esteem the way a fire needs oxygen. If you don’t respect yourself and your needs, your relationship won’t be able to grow and flourish, no matter how much you care for your partner. Remaining in touch with your own needs and desires is the best indicator that your relationship is a healthy one.
