Relationships are at the heart of our existence; they provides us with emotional support, companionship and a feeling of connection. Be it a romantic, familial, or platonic relationship, the best foundation is one with respect for one another; trust and communication. Relationship-building for young people can be both an exciting and difficult task. Knowing what a relationship without toxicity looks like will help you make connections that are not just desirable but ever-lasting. This article will discuss what makes a relationship healthy and offer tips for young people on having good relationships.
About Healthy Relationship
While a healthy relationship is one in which both partners feel respected, valued and supported. And that means clear communication, trust, mutual care for one another, and a general positive rhythm between the two of you. Romantic, friendship, family — healthy relationships can be in any area of our life. At the heart of any good relationship is the fact that you each bring something to it, but grow and change alongside one another as well.
Signs of a Healthy Relationship
For young people just embarking on what may be their first serious relationships, knowing the markers of a healthy relationship is critical. Here is a selection of the main metrics:
- Mutual Respect
One of the most important cornerstones of a healthy relationship is respect. It means respecting each other's space, thoughts and emotions. In a good relationship, we listen to each other, negotiate when we have to and celebrate the differences!
- Open and Honest Communication
Communication is important in any relationship. Partners need to be able to do this without judgment. In a healthy relationship, you can listen actively and communicate with clarity.
- Trust and Reliability
Every healthy relationships is built on trust. One can depend on the other, and there should not be constant suspicion or doubt in a strong relationship. Cultivating trust takes time and happens through honest actions.
- Supportive Behavior
Meaning a relationship in which the two do not pull each other down. The right relationship naturally promotes positivity, growth and support — a supportive ear during difficult times, or the shared celebration of successes.
- Quality Time Together
In order to strengthen your bond, it is important for you to spend quality time together! That doesn't mean being together 24/7, of course, but making efforts to devote time — by doing things together, talking or just having quality time.
- Healthy Boundaries
In young relationships that are still blossoming, having boundaries is important. Both partners acknowledge one another's privacy and freedom in a positive relationship. Boundaries are not distance; they are stating that both parties will have their identity and comfort and this time individually, together.
- Equality and Fairness
A give and take relationship where both partners investing equally in matters of the heart, mind and body. Healthy relationships are free from power imbalances, in which one person overshadows or dominates the other. Equality makes sure that the two parties involved carry equal respect and voice.
Q & A: Why Young People Need Healthy Relationships
This is particularly important for young people, as their first romantic relationship will set the tone for future relationships. Just in their adolescence and early adulthood are they still learning who they are, how to be a person. This period marks the time for individuals to establish relationships, and these types of relationships can lead to the development of self-esteem, mental health generally and overall well-being.
In a healthy relationship, you pick up some essential life skills such as resolving conflict, developing empathy and emotional intelligence. It offers a solid foundation that can give the youth something to depend on, guiding them to go through the rigours of maturation. And the fact that you get to know, and in turn cultivate an example of a healthy relationship sets you up for success going forward — romantically and platonically.
Approaching and maintaining a healthy relationship
Here are a few practical tips for young people looking to build a healthy relationship:
- Know Yourself First
Knowing your values, needs and boundaries before entering a relationship. Having an understanding of who you are and what you want from life makes it easier to find someone that fits into your life, and avoids the damaging partner dynamics.
- Prioritize Communication
Establish open communication early on. Discuss what you are thinking and feeling, speak about your concerns and help them to speak about theirs too. Do not let issues build up, but address them as and when they arise.
- Embrace Individual Differences
We are not identical twins, hallelujah. A healthy relationship is embracing the differences, whether that be in personality, hobbies or background. Instead of making attempts at molding and reshaping each other, learn from your differences!
- Be Supportive
Be there for one another through hood up and bad. Encourage your partner if you see he/she needs it and lauding him/her. In a healthy relationship, both people are intentional about helping each other rise and thrive.
- Maintain Your Independence
It is important that you are spending time together, but it’s also important to have your own hobbies and friendships and interests in addition to the relationship! In healthy relationships, both partners can each take ownership of their identity while bringing them together.
- Seek Help if Needed
Even the strongest relationships see their challenges come up from time to time. If you face challenges that you cannot informally resolve, do not hesitate to ask your trusted mentors, friends, or highly regarded professionals. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness but it is strength.
It takes time, effort, and commitment to build and maintain a healthy relationship; the payoff, however, is huge. Knowing the red flags of a healthy relationship is one way that young people can be sure to incorporate them when they are dating with their peers, and this ultimately leads to fulfilling, supportive friendships and romantic entanglements. Encouraging respect, communication, trust and empathy can help set up your young person with good relationship experiences that they will carry with them through their life. Keep in mind that the ideal relationship is when both individuals feel appreciated, listened to, and loved.