3 Signs of a Healthy Relationship

Communication, Commonality & Respect

There are three signs to a healthy relationship that has the potential to last a lifetime: communication, commonality and respect.

Communication

The most important ingredient to a healthy relationship is communication. Both partners should be willing to communicate and talk about their feelings with their partner. Why is communication important? Because if you don't communicate then resentment builds, feelings get stuffed and emotional needs are not taken care of.

Example: Jennifer is in a sizzling hot relationship with Joe. She loves the camaraderie and the sex is great. But, when she is not with him Jenny is in her room stressing out about her job, college, future etc. Sometimes it takes a while for Jenny to right herself and be able to go out with friends or a date with Joe.

This is unhealthy because she is not sharing her feelings with Joe, doesn't talk to him about what is stressing her and generally just going with the flow. If Joe does something wrong she may become frustrated easily and take it out on Joe and he'll have no idea why. She may not even realize she is doing this but it is a sign of an unhealthy, surface type relationship.

I cannot emphasize this enough; communication is the most important dynamic for a long term relationship. A willingness to talk to each other, and explain each other's emotions and feelings are very important to a healthy relationship. If one person in a relationship is not expressing their feelings or pushing them down or hiding them, then that is a big red flag and the relationship needs to be repaired or terminated.

Commonality

Another thing to look for in a life partner are common goals and pursuits. If you do not have similar goals then it will be harder to realize common ground with your partner. I'm not saying it can't work, just that it is harder on the couple if they have nothing in common.

Some tough questions for you are:

Where do you both want to be in five years?

Do you have to give up your dreams to be with this person?

Are you willing to do that?