What are the characteristics of a healthy relationship?
- No abusive behavior (emotional, gaslighting or physical).
- Resolving conflict using healthy communication skills.
- Feeling safe and being vulnerable with your partner.
- Promoting a healthy environment to discuss sensitive topics.
- Feeling that you have a strong bond and that the relationship is not constantly in danger of ending, even when one of you makes a mistake.
- Talking about your intimacy often and listening to your partner’s sexual wants and needs without judgment.
- Saying “thank you” often and appreciating what you do for each other.
- Respecting each other’s boundaries.
How can a couple build a stronger relationship?
- By learning and practicing assertive communication skills including validation of feelings, active listening, using “I statements” that allow the couple to feel safe when being vulnerable with each other.
- By respecting each other and empowering one another.
- Check-ins with your partner to talk about the relationship, what’s going well and what can be improved.
- Turning towards each other instead of away when conflict arises or when facing difficulties.
- Noticing when your partner needs you and reaching out to them.
What are love languages?
The five love languages describe the way we feel loved and appreciated in our relationship(s).
The five love languages are:
- Acts of service
- Physical touch
- Words of affirmation
- Gifts
- Quality time
Are love languages important?
Very! It is always nice to feel loved from your partner in a way that you “understand.” It is recommended to speak your partner’s love language at least twice a day.
How can I find out what my partner’s love language is?
Go online to www.5lovelanguages.com and take the quiz to find out which is your main love language so you can let your partner know!
What do you think is the most important thing for a relationship?
Healthy communication and feeling that your relationship is a safe space where you can turn to each other for support.