| It's totally normal to look at the world through | | | | issues, and needs enough to trust that we are safe |
| rose-colored glasses in the early stages of a | | | | can we respond with number eleven. |
| relationship. But for some people, those rose-colored | | | | A healthy relationship is not a power struggle. The |
| glasses turn into blinders that keep them from seeing | | | | two of you don't have to think the same way about |
| that a relationship isn't as healthy as it should be. Here | | | | things. |
| are some traits which can tell you whether you are in | | | | A healthy relationship is not symbiotic. You do not |
| the healthy relationships. | | | | have to feel the same way about all things. |
| Trust and support each other. Support your partners' | | | | Use good conflict resolution skills. Conflict is an almost |
| goals in life, and respect their right to the feelings, | | | | inevitable part of relationships, especially in |
| opinions, friends, activities and interest. Partners value | | | | relationships where the partners rely on each other |
| differences rather than use them to separate and | | | | and are emotionally close. They key to strengthening |
| cause conflict. | | | | a relationship is not to avoid conflict, but to resolve it |
| Adopt effective communication skills. Those who are | | | | in a mutually satisfactory way. It is important, |
| able to openly express their feelings in an emotionally | | | | therefore, not to judge or blame, or to look for |
| safe environment typically deal with situations as | | | | victory when a disagreement arises. |
| they come up and avoid burying frustrations which | | | | In the healthy relationship, the partner enjoys each |
| always have a way of coming out at some point. | | | | other's company, and look for opportunities to |
| Each is able to express their thoughts, feelings and | | | | socialize, play, and have fun together |
| needs without fear of being judged. | | | | Talk and act in a way that promotes both partners' |
| Negotiation and fairness also can suggest the healthy | | | | feelings of safety in the relationship. Both should feel |
| relationship. Each is willing to compromise, accepting | | | | comfortable and safe in expressing him/herself and in |
| change, and seeking mutually satisfying solutions to | | | | engaging in activities. |
| conflict. | | | | Healthy relationships are characterized by respect, |
| Be able to take responsibility for your behavior. | | | | sharing and trust. They are based on the belief that |
| Sometimes, once we've taken responsibility for all our | | | | both partners are equal, that the power and control |
| own behavior, we can see clearly that our partners in | | | | in the relationship are equally shared. The |
| the relationship are the ones who are acting out. But | | | | aforementioned traits are the integral parts of the |
| only when we take responsibility for our behavior, | | | | healthy relationship. |