How to Build and Maintain a Healthy Relationship With Your Partner

Healthy Relationships

Jenean Castillo, Ph.D.

jeneancastillophd@gmail.com

The best relationships are those in which each person feels like a valid and equal partner. Couples may not maintain equality in some specific tasks and responsibilities, but each should know that they have equal decision-making power and exercise that right freely. For example, if it is mutually agreed upon that one partner stays home while the other works, it may be understood that partner is primary in managing the childrearing responsibilities; however, important family decisions are still made together. Similarly, just because the other partner is the breadwinner in the family does not mean that person makes unilateral decisions about how the money is spent. Any marriage or similar relationship should include equality between the partners.

There are many aspects of a healthy relationship. Some important qualities of a healthy relationship include respect and trust. It is important to listen to and validate each other’s opinions. Always listen without judgment but with affirmation. Everyone wants to be heard and to know that what they say will be respected and considered. Trust is an important cornerstone of every relationship. Everyone has a right to their own feelings, thoughts, and opinions. In addition, one’s friends and activities should also be respected. A secure person will understand and accept that his or her partner has a right to some privacy and be supportive of this. Keep in mind that trust is maintained by being honest. In every relationship there should be open communication, including acknowledging when one is wrong and accepting responsibility for one’s mistakes.

It is understood that in every relationship there is conflict. While disagreements are normal, how they are resolved often determine the quality of the relationship. Negotiating conflicts often mean being willing to compromise. After all, any solution to a relationship problem ought to have some mutual satisfaction. Fairness in a relationship also means using non-threatening behaviors when solving disputes as well as in general. Each partner must feel safe and comfortable in expressing themselves, their thoughts, feelings, and opinions.

It is important for couples to have an equal partnership and joint responsibilities in parenting and financial matters. There should be an equitable distribution of work and shared responsibility in family decision-making. As partners, you should be making money decisions together and both of you should benefit from those financial decisions. It is also important that you share in the parental responsibilities and together you will be a positive role model for your children.

Of course in every relationship there needs to be some give and take. But it is important not to sacrifice your happiness or well-being for the sole benefit of another.

#stress #work