Relationships are challenging. People and relationships evolve. It can be like hitting a moving target or trying to understand something constantly in flux. While relationships can be hard to manage, a good relationship is worth the effort.

A good relationship can have tremendous benefits, but an unhealthy relationship can be worse than being alone.

How can you tell if your relationship is a good one? There isn’t a foolproof method for scoring a relationship, but healthy relationships have several standard features.

Look for these healthy signs:

1. Balance. The balance will mean different things to different relationships. For example, there might be a significant imbalance in the financial responsibility within a relationship, but some other aspect could compensate for that discrepancy.

• In general terms, is the relationship fair? Is each party committing the same overall effort and resources? Or is one party consistently getting the better end of the deal?

2. Openness. Both parties feel free to share their feelings and concerns honestly and openly. It’s no fun to be in a relationship where you must keep your pain and worries to yourself. How open can you be with your partner? Are you comfortable sharing any issues?

3. A typical long-term outlook. For a relationship to thrive over the long haul, there must be a common objective. That objective might involve children and a life in the suburbs. Or it could be retiring at age 40 and traveling the world. Do you both want the same things ten years or more from now?

4. Fun. Good relationships are fun. Do you regularly have fun with your partner? Do you like sharing the same space? Do you have fun in your relationship, or do you depend on your friends for fun and entertainment?

• What interests do you share? How do you spend your time together? Is the time you spend together enjoyable?

5. Respect. Mutual respect is imperative in any healthy relationship. Without regard, one person will be mistreated or minimized. Do you respect each other enough that both of you feel valued and important?

6. Able to settle conflicts without abuse or resentment. Conflicts arise in any relationship. Resolving quarrels fairly and respectfully is part of any healthy relationship. It’s just as important to let go of any resentment from the conflict. Holding on to anger is poison to the future of the relationship.

• How do you solve issues in your relationship? Do these types of conversations make your relationship more substantial or more fragile? Do you feel anxious about raising issues with your partner?

7. Acceptance. Do you accept each other as you are? Some partners enter a relationship to change the other person to suit their preferences better. Few people are bearing of this strategy. If you can’t accept your partner as they are, consider finding someone else.

• Remember that no one is perfect, and you’ll never find the ideal partner.

8. Commitment. Relationships work. If one or both parties aren’t committed to making things work, the connection is unlikely to survive. How much of a priority is the relationship to both of you? Most relationships can be successful if the level of commitment is high enough.

Healthy relationships are an essential part of an entire and happy life. Unhealthy relationships can create misery and hardship. Ensure that your relationships are adding something positive to your life.

Be sure to Like the blog post at the top of the page if you enjoyed the content.

Want To Develop More Intimacy in your Relationship?

Get Your Free Report Below:

Authentic connections – Developing Intimate Relationships