Relationships are one of those things that can make the best and worst parts of ourselves come to light. We all have the ability to make healthy choices and to change our habits. Some aspects of a healthy relationship may come naturally, while other aspects require intentional effort from both partners.

Here are 10 characteristics of a healthy relationship:

Respect is something that all of us appreciate. It can help an individual feel seen, understood, and trusted. We can show respect to our partner through how we listen to them, consider their feelings, take accountability for our actions, and avoid dismissing them.

Feeling safe enough in your relationship to share your thoughts and emotions openly is crucial. Honesty builds trust in the relationship, and it creates a space where you both feel like you can communicate without fear of being judged.

Support helps establish security in the relationship. When we know that we have each other’s back, it develops confidence and nurtures personal growth. It helps to bring out the best in ourselves while also recognizing the areas we need to work on.

Sharing interests and spending time together is important in any relationship, but maintaining individuality matters too. We shouldn’t stop pursuing our personal hobbies and interests once we enter a relationship but continue to invest time in our hobbies, friendships, goals, and personal growth. A healthy relationship should be an amazing addition to life without becoming your entire identity.

Playful teasing is a great way to connect with our partner, but everything needs to be in moderation. Kindness is an excellent foundation for our relationships. It helps create emotional safety, helps each partner feel valued, and conflicts are handled with care.

Discussing our feelings, needs, or difficult topics strengthens the connection with our person. Open communication can help both partners understand how to love and support one another better.

Patience isn’t something that always comes easily. However, putting patience into practice in our relationship can help reduce tension, build trust, and allow room for growth. It gives both partners the space to learn and better navigate conflicts together.

Boundaries are essential for our emotional well-being and an excellent way to show we respect one another. Some boundaries may include alone time, space to process conflict, freedom to spend time with friends, or physical intimacy limits. Boundaries help relationships feel safe, clear, balanced, and healthy.

Sometimes longer-term relationships can flip to autopilot. We need to actively nurture the relationship and show our partner that we choose them. It doesn’t mean we have to be consistently planning grand gestures for our partner. Intentionality can be as simple as staying curious about each other, planning quality time together, and expressing appreciation.

Consistent affection and appreciation can help both partners feel loved, valued, and connected. Some people prefer certain types of affection and appreciation over others. For example, we can demonstrate our affection and appreciation through our words, actions, quality time, or physical touch.

It is important to note that no healthy relationship is perfect. Every couple will have their strengths and areas that will need growth, and that can look different for every couple. What matters most is choosing to put in the effort every day. Those small daily choices help build a relationship that’s rooted in love, connection, and trust.

Looking for more guidance on healthy relationships? Consider joining our Earn While You Learn program, where expectant mothers and fathers can meet with a Client Advocate and watch video lessons on a variety of topics from pregnancy to relationships to parenting, all while earning maternity and baby supplies, along with other needed items in our boutique.