Key Ingredients for a Healthy Relationship
What is the key to a healthy relationship? Clients often ask counsellors about their personal relationships, making the assumption that we have perfect relationships. We are all human and there is no perfect relationship but maintaining a healthy relationship is a solid counselling goal.
Respect
Respect each other’s opinions. It is not unusual to find yourself in a relationship with someone who may look at life differently than you do. Communicate with each other and find out what they think and why they hold that view. Even if you still disagree, respect them as an individual and be open to having different views. Different does not mean they are wrong.
Laugh
Just know that there will be some challenging times in any relationship because it is part of life. We may have disagreements, deaths, illness, job loss…honestly there will be too many things to count. Humor can lighten the load and diffuse a situation. Even the most serious times have room for a bit of humor. Couples bond when they share laughter or an inside joke. A Time Health article suggests that couples who laugh together are happier and tend to have higher quality relationships.
Compromise
Let’s face it, we all want to get our own way. In a healthy relationship people learn to find a middle ground. Look at all of the options and consider what might be possible. Agree on a solution that you both can live with. Problem solving together helps see another perspective and you will get to know each other even better.
Nuture
A relationship doesn’t grow and thrive without some nurturing. Be kind to each other and give back. Day to day life can be repetitive and we can take each other for granted. Pick up his favourite dessert after a tough day. Surprise her with a note in her lunch bag. Take a walk together and talk about your day. Share one good thing that happened, don’t just talk about the negative things.
Value
Value the person you are with. Being supportive and encouraging to each other is vital in creating a strong relationship. In a healthy relationship you not only value each other but you value your relationship. Encourage them in to pursue their own interest and be their biggest cheerleader in their journey.
Book a counselling appointment
We’ve touched on just a few components of a healthy relationship. From time to time in a relationship we might need help. A good time to book an appointment to see a counsellor is when you are feeling out of sync, disconnected or maybe you just want to keep nurturing your relationship to ensure it is growing and flourishing. Call 905-684-5050 for an appointment.
