Ups and downs in relationships are constant, but that does not mean you cannot maintain a healthy relationship. The only way to get through the downs is to maintain healthy bonds.
What Are Healthy Relationships?
Everyone has a different definition of healthy relationships, but there are a few things that are common in all of them. You must be wondering what those elements are, right?! It is a bond between individuals that involves three essential components. Honesty, safe communication, and growth are the fundamental bases of healthy and long-lasting relationships. These three elements are interchangeable; however, all three must be present for a smooth sailing connection. It is a feeling where the individuals involved feel a sense of support and connectivity.
A relationship is a two-way streak, so to maintain that, all parties must understand each other's needs and expectations. People spend years trying to build a healthy and functional relationship, but what they miss out on are the three potent factors.
Hands Joined Between Honesty And Communication
Honesty and communication go hand in hand. Being honest helps establish trust; without trust, a relationship is resting on a rocky cliff. With confidence, an individual feels as if they can speak up on some issues and have open communication with the other party. This will also make your partner feel that their feelings and emotions are of value to you. In healthy relationships, it is essential to give respect to gain respect. If the other person tends to wave off issues and does not discuss them, this is a red flag. So, why not work on techniques which will help promote honesty and open communication.
All these factors combined are what make healthy relationships. If one element of the entire equation is missing, your relationship could turn to have a full conflict end. Have no fear! A situation such as this can be dealt with in several simple ways.
The Big G: Growth
Additionally, a healthy bond is one where both partners promote each other to grow in a positive aspect, help each other grow, and grow together. Life is evolving daily; with that, relationships are changing too. To keep up, you must promote the other person's growth and be supportive instead of bringing them down.
Whether it is work-related, mental stability, or personality-wise, in a healthy relationship, it is necessary that you ensure that you are doing everything in your power to support the other individual's growth and vice versa!
Finding Your Way Back To A Healthy Relationship After Conflicts
When relationships get rocky and conflict strikes, the concerned people naturally assume there is no getting back to normal. What they miss out on is the fact that it is not over; they can still return to a positive relationship with a splash of effort, open-mindedness, and understanding.
1. Listen To The Other Person
Hear the other person out, do not jump to conclusions, and do not enforce your point of view on them. Take a step back and be ready to listen to what they have to say. Resolving an issue does not mean picking a point of view and sticking to it. The key to solving a matter has an ear to listen to. Skip building a case in your head. Instead focuses on your listening skills and communication.
2. Participate
Getting back to a healthy relationship after a conflict is an uphill battle; however, it can be much easier if both parties are open to participating in problem-solving. Rather than shooting down ideas, not taking part in activities to rebuild the relationship, and being pessimistic, play an active role and try taking part in fixing the conflict. Layout your opinions, let the other person layout theirs, and brainstorm solutions to reach a common ground.
3. Address Behavior Not Personality Traits
Rather than pointing out faults in the other person's personality, try pointing out specific behaviors that you believe have led to the conflict. Character is not a problem. It is a particular behavior. Rather than attacking the other person's personality and fueling the conflict, jot down actions or acts that might have led to the fight. This allows the other party to be more open to your opinions, and it is less hurtful while you are trying to explain to them what is bothering you. Instead of spoiling the relationship, this allows for more open communication.
4. Talk When Calm
Addressing a conflict when both you and your partner are angry is not always a good idea. That is the point when emotions are running high, and you end up talking without giving a second thought to what you are about to say. Instead of saying something you may regret later, it is always advised to cool down a little, gather your thoughts, and then address the situation.
5. Apologize When Necessary
Accepting your mistake when you are wrong is the best thing to do. Relationships are not about ego and a negative attitude; there is no room for that in a healthy relationship. Take a step back, look at your actions, and if you believe you are at fault, accept it. There is no loss in apologizing. A healthy bond is all about growing, evolving, and taking where you are wrong.
Healthy Relationships Are The Key To a Good Life
If you surround yourself with a healthy relationship that promotes honesty, positive communication, and growth, then a good life is not far from your reach. Being in a healthy relationship is easy to achieve as long as you maintain an open mind, calm, and composure. Do not jump the gun and lose your calm!
