5 Signs You Are In A Healthy Relationship
Couples that are in a healthy relationship have a set of tools that differs from other couples. Tools that support conflict resolution, improving communication, fostering trust, and moving forward after challenging moments.
I want you to think about your relationship.
What tools do you have that nourish the relationship?
How often do you use your tools?
I want to share with you just a few ways that you can continue to nourish your life and relationship.
1. Bounce back from issues.
The concept of bouncing back from issues is connected to the realization that issues are a natural part of life. We experience issues in all domains of life. Work, family, relationships, and even interpersonal.
A way to improve your relationship is by not allowing issues to stop your relationship from moving forward.
Let’s say that you and your partner are in the midst of a conflict. You feel frustrated and disconnected. The discussion is not solved. You at this point have two options.
The first is to stop the growth of the relationship until the issue is resolved.
The second is to acknowledge that the issue can be addressed later. In the meantime, you can continue to nurture the relationship.
2. Use a ratio of 5 to 1.
This is a simple one.
5 positives act to 1 negative.
Each day complete in a minimum of 5 acts that are positive while working to allow in a max of 1 negative.
3. Have a culture of fondness.
All relationships have a culture.
The term culture is the feeling that takes place in the relationship. As an example, consider universities. In my area, there is the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. If you have ever visited the school you are able to see and even feel the culture. The school is warm, open, and considerate.
In your relationship consider the culture as to what you see and feel.
Healthy couples have a culture of fondness. This means that the relationship culture includes the following ut not limited to:
- Compassionate.
- Forgiving.
- Considerate.
- Committed.
- Authentic.
- Supportive.
- Honest.
As a relationship strategy, give yourself the task to feed your relationship with the above list. Doing this will slowly nurture a culture of fondness.
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4. Use soft approaches.
A soft approach is seen when you approach your partner with compassion, kindness, and respect.
What typically hurts a relationship is when partners communicate in an abrasive manner. For instance, if you approach your partner by directly using words such as “you never show me attention.”
The very words come off as an accusation. As you are using the word “you”.
A soft approach would shift the above to the following:
“Hi, honey. I would love to sit and connect with you on a topic that I hope to use to bring us closer together.”
In the example above you are able to notice that the second phrase does not have judgment and warmly invites your partner into a conversation.
Think about this.
Do you want to start a conversation in an abrupt manner?
Or
Do you want to start a conversation with an invitation?
5. Support each other’s goals.
Below are a couple’s exercises that you can practice today.
Each partner can start by writing down a list of their individual goals. Think about goals connected to mental health, spirituality, career, and other areas of life.
Once you have your goals, share them with your partner.
Listen to each other with love and admiration.
The next step is to give each other guidance and support. To reduce judgment and criticism.
I hope that you found this reading helpful.
I love working with couples.
Partners that want to improve their relationship, strengthen their marriage bond, and have the relationship and life that they deserve.
For more supportive resources on helping you improve your relationship click the links below.
Couples counseling exercises for infidelity
Marriage counseling questions to strengthen your relationship
How to improve your connection with your spouse
Ways to build trust in your relationship
CLICK HERE to work with me. Santos Counseling PLLC provides counseling to anyone in North Carolina. My physical office is located in Greensboro, North Carolina if you would like to have face-to-face sessions.
Benefits Of Couples Counseling:
- Improve communication.
- Remove resentment.
- Build intimacy and deep connection.
- Stop fighting and start getting along.
- Help each other grow in life.
