A healthy relationship is great for all overall health and wellbeing.
According to many researchers, it is believed that love might be one of the strongest emotions we as humans experience.
When it comes to romantic relationships, the quality of it must go beyond physical attraction and sex (although those are important, too).
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It's important to examine "what really sustains a relationship over time, especially after the first blush of attraction has faded," writes Abigail Brenner, M.D. for Psychology Today.
It is important to do a health checkup on your relationship every now and then to make sure it’s going in the right direction. Here are 5 ways to know if you are in a healthy relationship.
1. Intimacy
Physically connecting often is important in a healthy relationship, and no I don’t mean just through sex!
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Touching often whether it be kissing, holding hands, hugging, etc. is a sure sign that you and your partner are in a healthy, happy place.
2. Separate Hobbies Promote Healthy Relationship
It’s okay to spend lots of time together, but some time apart won’t hurt either.
A couple that still maintains their identity prior to the relationship by maintaining their friendships and hobbies will be happier in the long run.
3. Teamwork
Do you and your significant other make decisions together?
Do you both speak about the other in your future plans?
Having a partner to help problem solve your way through life changes and obstacles is just one benefit of being in a healthy relationship. Building your life together as a cohesive unit can be difficult at times, but it is what two committed people do in a healthy relationship and you can only do this successfully if you are both on one accord as a team.
4. Mutual respect is Key to a Healthy Relationship
Do you respect your differences, and accept the things you absolutely can’t stand about each other?
Do you fight intentionally and not vengefully?
Being able to love your partner through their worst decisions and bad days is important. Being able to show empathy and forgiveness is necessary in order for a relationship to survive its many obstacles.
5. Shared Responsibilities
Cleaning, cooking, and running errands are all things that have to be done in any household.
If you and your partner are living together these tasks should be fairly split up. Do it in ways that make the most sense for you both.
If you don’t have kids but have a pet, take turns to look after them. You can also pitch in to help the other get through a project they are struggling through. Do whatever it takes to show that you are equally involved and committed to making the relationship work.
