21 Ways To Keep Your Relationship Strong, Healthy, & Happy

Your relationship with each other could seem perfectly healthy. But if they use hate speech, slurs, or make discriminatory remarks about others, consider what this behavior says about them as a person. It’s not healthy to constantly criticize each other or say intentionally hurtful things, especially about personal choices, such as food, clothing, or favorite TV shows.

A codependent partner may set aside their own hobbies and interests and only engage in activities that you want to do. Or perhaps you feel responsible for paying off the debts your spouse accumulates when they gamble. Having the occasional, even informal, discussion about how each of you is feeling in a relationship is a great tool to carry things forward, even if it’s early in a relationship. By doing so, you can make sure you’re both on the same page and working toward the same goals. “Trust, in a relationship, comes with knowing the character of the other person. Knowing they are reliable builds a sense of security in the relationship,” Goldman explains.

In a world of more superficial connections, a man and woman who learn to develop a deeper connection will be more fulfilled. I worry about this all the time and feel like I mess up often. My partner and I are equally responsible for our relationship.

Become An Expert On Your Partner

Relationship readiness requires honest examination of how your family of origin, past relationships, and significant life experiences shape your current relationship patterns. A healthy relationship involves two people who know the background and context of each other’s lives. They know the what of things, but they also know the why of things. Two people develop trust because each has proven to be trustworthy and reliable. When tempted to betray the relationship in some way, they have held fast to the needs and feelings of the other person instead. The tips mentioned above on how to keep a relationship strong and happy will help you maintain a thriving relationship.

Knowing what is truly important to your partner can go a long way towards building goodwill and an atmosphere of compromise. On the flip side, it’s also important for your partner to recognize your wants and for you to state them clearly. Constantly giving to others at the expense of your own needs will only build resentment and anger.

• Not only do they improve your emotional well-being, but they can bring physical benefits.
• It’s practically a guaranteed relationship killer.
• The specific activity matters less than your ability to find fulfillment without relying on a partner to provide entertainment or meaning.
• Sometimes when a relationship is no longer positive, taking a step back can help.

The Quality Of Your Life Is Largely Determined By This Fundamental Relationship

Growing up as kids, we used to say, “honesty is the best policy,” but as adults, we’ve all learned to hide the truth. Whether it’s to save face, increase profit margins, excel in careers, or avoid confrontations, we’ve all lost some if not all of the honesty we had as kids. Your relationship is an investment, like the stock market.

Playing with pets or small children can also help you reconnect with your playful side. There’s a big difference between active listening in this way and simply hearing. Effective communication is a key part of any relationship. When both people know what they want from the relationship and feel comfortable expressing their needs, fears, and desires, it can increase trust and strengthen the bond between you. You’re not going out and buying big household items without consulting your partner first, and you make the time for your partner’s input.

If you find yourself struggling in your efforts to connect, keep pushing. Discovering how to keep a healthy relationship means keeping the spark alive – but it takes work. Learn to communicate your thoughts and emotions in the moment so you can address these issues and avoid seeding resentment that will otherwise emerge later in the relationship. When thinking about how to have a healthy relationship, honesty is key – including being honest with yourself.

If you’ve known each other for a while, you may assume that your partner has a pretty good idea of what you are thinking and what you need. While your partner may have some idea, it is much healthier to express your needs directly to avoid any confusion. “If you can get through difficulties together, that builds trust, and the more you build that trust together, the stronger you become,” notes Duke.

Obviously, being intimate is an essential part of a healthy relationship. Connecting physically is also about showing affection—embracing, holding hands, touching, kissing, looking into each other’s ladatereview.com eyes. Hormones of attachment are released when we connect physically. These help to keep love alive and to keep us bonded to one another. Over the course of a relationship we get comfortable, maybe too comfortable and complacent. We may stop taking care of ourselves the way we used to.

Such practices can include getting into the habit of writing down two or three specific things that you are grateful for each day. “These things can include anything, including a positive interaction with a friend or partner,” she says. “If so, don’t be shy about sharing it or making a point of expressing this appreciation to the person.” A healthy relationship is a partnership between two people that is based on respect and trust, according to the University of Alabama. Both partners in the relationship should feel safe and be willing to work on any imbalances if and when those issues show up.