Below are 40 things that are included in a healthy loving relationship. No relationship is perfect, there are always things you could work on :)
- You can be your true selves with each other.
- You feel comfortable sharing your deepest thoughts, fears, and emotions with each other.
- You rarely lie to each other, but you also refrain from being brutally honest.
- You give each other space and/or “Me time.”
- You make it through rough times as a couple without splitting up.
- You agree (or genuinely agree to disagree) on financial matters.
- You treat each other the way you would like to be treated, not necessarily the way you feel you’re being treated at the moment.
- You and your mate completely deal with your problems, refusing to leave them unresolved until resentments form.
- You forgive each other for mistakes.
- You don’t tell each other what you should or shouldn’t think/feel.
- You both listen without interrupting.
- You respect each others’ privacy.
- You speak each others’ Love Language, even if it’s different from your own.
- You willingly make sacrifices for each other.
- You share mutual interests and activities.
- You respect each others’ individuality and make the most of your differences.
- You act as each others’ backbone, providing loving support without guilt.
- You share spiritual beliefs or a spiritual connection.
- You show sensitivity to each others’ needs.
- You discuss and negotiate instead of fighting.
- Each partner takes responsibility for their own thoughts and feelings.
- There is mutual trust and dedication.
- You have a strong friendship.
- In addition to loving each other, you genuinely like each other.
- You don’t judge or force your opinions on each other.
- You take quality time to nurture your relationship.
- Both partners maintains his/her own set of boundaries and respects the boundaries of the other.
- You are both attentive to the needs of yourself and the other.
- You enjoy physical contact (hugs, kisses, cuddling, sex) together.
- You show appreciation for each other.
- Hardship, uncertainty, and disagreements are accepted as a part of life.
- You communicate openly and meaningfully with each other.
- There is equal power between you and your mate.
- You keep your expectations of each other in check.
- You genuinely apologize to one another when feelings are hurt.
- You and your mate speak up assertively instead of expecting the other to read minds.
- You both eliminate passive aggressive behavior (ignoring, silent treatment, eye rolling, stomping, hanging up the phone) as much as possible.
- You have a strong sense of interdependence (mutual responsibility) to each other rather than dependence or co-dependence.
- You avoid going to bed mad.
- You CAN live without each other, but you choose each other over every alternative choice.