5 Tips on building healthy relationships

Mutual Respect

Healthy relationships are built on respect. Respect means that you and your partner have consideration for each other’s values, beliefs and boundaries. It also means that you treat each other with kindness and compassion through your actions and words, even if you’re in an argument. 

Ensure Equality

In a healthy relationship, both people feel equally supported, valued, and heard. Neither partner should have power over the other. This means both of you feel empowered enough to speak your mind, share your opinions, and say no to controlling behaviour. If you’re feeling disempowered in your relationship, it may be time to speak to your partner about this or consider leaving the relationship.

Trust

Honesty and trust go together, so when you and your partner are open and honest with each other, trust will grow. Trusting each other means that you believe that you both have each other’s best interests at heart. Trust is giving each other independence  to spend time with other important people in your lives without feeling jealous or insecure. It takes time to build trust, so be willing to take the necessary steps. 

Healthy communication

Healthy communication is the key to a healthy relationship. In healthy relationships, both partners feel safe enough to express their thoughts and feelings openly and honestly, without fear of how the other person will react. It’s important to listen with understanding and ask for clarity when necessary.

Another important part of healthy communication is being able to deal with disagreements well. When you’re angry at your partner, it’s sometimes easy to want to say something hurtful to prove your point, but I encourage you to step away from the situation or take some time to think before you say something you might regret later. You can also take one of my quizzes to see how healthy your communication is in a relationship.

Support each other

In relationships, it’s important to support each other but also give each other a chance to be independent at the same time. Showing your partner support makes them feel loved, seen, valued, and appreciated. Showing your support can be as simple as asking your partner how their day was, and showing up for them during good and bad times.  

Healthy relationships require commitment and work. In a healthy relationship, both partners feel loved, supported, respected and trusted. Remember, if a relationship doesn’t make you feel happy, secure, and valued, it may be time to turn your attention to yourself and invest more in some self-love, which is the best form of love.

Remember, if you or a friend need someone to talk to, you can speak to me for advice or help here on Ask Choma, send me a Facebook Message, a Twitter DM, or a WhatsApp Message (071 172 3657).