Relationships are a big part of a person’s life and can be positive or negative. They make up a person’s social support network which is essential to both mental and physical health.
A healthy relationship involves two people who maintain a meaningful emotional connection with one another. They are supportive of each other’s goals, dreams and needs and they can work together to overcome obstacles that may come their way. This includes communication – being able to discuss things openly and without judgement. This also means a mutual respect for each other’s feelings and their boundaries. This includes being able to communicate effectively about sex and intimacy in a way that both feel comfortable with.
Lastly, a healthy relationship involves commitment and trust. Commitment is about knowing that you can depend on your partner to be there for you and to take care of you, physically and emotionally. It’s also about trusting that your partner will not hurt you or use you in any way. This includes acknowledging when you’ve fucked up and showing each other that you will not repeat those mistakes again.
While some people choose to avoid these questions, they can be helpful in gaining clarity about their relationship and where it stands. Especially for young adults, this can be a valuable tool in helping them make informed decisions about their futures and avoid being caught up in a harmful situation. For more on this topic, check out wikiHow’s full guide to DTR (dating talk) and our expert answer on How To Be In A Relationship.