5 Ways to Sustain Healthy Relationships
We all want to thrive in our relationships with those close to us. This may be our spouse, children, immediate and extended family, close friends, and even acquaintances and coworkers. But, how do we accomplish that, without losing ourselves, along the way?
Healthy relationships add joy to our lives, and to the lives of those we interact with, especially those closest to us. I am going to share 5 helpful tips to develop and maintain healthy connections.
1. Communication
Communication that is open and honest is essential for any healthy relationship. Being able to share the raw truth fosters not only healthy communication but also attributes to emotional connection with others. It does this by showing vulnerability with the ones we love. As the old and wise proverb says, “the truth can set you free”. Being honest about who you are, and being completely open and vulnerable, breeds a safe and open environment for your relationship to flourish.
2. Setting Healthy Boundaries
One of the most significant relationships we will ever have, is the one we have with ourselves. Knowing our limits is essential, not only for us but also for our relationships. Being able to set healthy limits and boundaries, with our loved ones, is not only a form of loving ourselves but also contributes to caring for our loved ones. All healthy relationships are based on boundaries. Knowing and communicating our boundaries to our partners, friends, and family, and having those boundaries mutually respected, is a key component to a successful relationship. Setting these limits may not come naturally, but establishing these limits is helpful to be true to your own individual wants and needs. Ultimately, this leads to a healthier relationship, as you both mutually respect each other’s boundaries.
3. Trust
Trust is a must for any relationship to blossom. Trust is the soil that breathes life into healthy relationships. We have to not only be willing to trust in others in our relationships, but we too have to be trustworthy. Trust does take practice and it takes time to establish with someone new in our life. This can be especially true if we have been hurt in the past. Stretching our “trust muscles” to be open to someone we care about is a step-by-step process that can take time, but is absolutely essential.
4. Kindness
Being kind in our relationships may feel like a no-brainer. But it is still a good reminder to lead with kindness when you're interacting with those you care about. Human kindness is so vital to our overall health and wellbeing. We can start by showing kindness to ourselves when we make mistakes. This self-kindness makes us happier and healthier human beings, which allows us to treat others with the same kindness we extend to ourselves.
5. Respect
Every relationship needs mutual respect because all of us are individuals with different points of view. Respecting the other’s point of view, even if they are different from your own, is important. Healthy relationships require us to respect a person’s individuality, and not try to force or change their perspective to match your own. Give them space and the freedom to be who they are, and feel what they feel, even if it seems as if your points of view are worlds apart. Relationships are about enjoying each other's similarities, but more importantly they’re about respecting one another’s differences.
How we choose to navigate the relationship qualities above depends solely on our own willingness to be aware of our healthy and unhealthy relationship patterns. This awareness can help us determine how we invest our time and energy in the relationships that are beneficial for our health and well-being. It also helps us to be mindful of how we add or give back to our relationships in return. We all need healthy relationships; not only for ourselves, but also to make this world a better place for everyone.
Roubicek & Thacker Counseling is Fresno’s premier provider of individual, couples, family, and group therapy. We offer in-person and online remote therapy sessions. Contact us today to change the way you feel.