Sure Signs of a Healthy Relationship

I was just reading this in the latest issue of Psychology Today. It followed the story, "Adjustment Bureau" by Theresa E. DiDonato, Ph.D.

Since we are on a dating site and many of us may have been in a previous relationship that may or may not of worked out exactly as we hoped, or, we are currently looking for a relationship and may have questions on how we can preserve it. I thought that these following tips may help some of us:

"Sure Signs of a Healthy Relationship"

-PARTNERS SUPPORT EACH OTHER'S OPPORTUNITY FOR GROWTH People are more satisfied in a relationship when a partner actively supports their efforts to expand their own horizons.

-THEY SHARE THEIR EMOTIONS It's not enough to talk with a partner; couples in thriving relationships engage in emotional self-diclosure...the communications of thoughts and ideas with anoter person.

-PARTNERS PAY LESS ATTENTION TO ATTRACTIVE OTHERS The kind of commitment that appears in thriving relationships activates an implicit attentional block against the allure of attractive alternative partners.

-COUPLES SEE THE POSITIVE SIDES TO COMMITMENT Romantic commitment is multifaceted, reflecting positive, negative, and constraining elements. How people view their commitment predicts the quality of their romantic relationship.

-THE PRACTICE SELF-COMPASSION Good partners are kind to themselves. Being gentle toward oneself after a failure, for example, predicts the types of behavior that promote healthy relationships...such as offering empathy and concern for a partner in need.

-THEY EXPRESS THEIR GRATITUDE Feeling grateful is one thing, but telling your partner is another. Sharing feelings of gratitude is linked to positive partner perceptions and more willingness to voice relationship concerns.

-BOTH FOCUS ON HUMILITY Those who keep the ego in check are more attractive and are evaluated more positively as potential partners. According to research by Daryl Van Tongeren at Hope College, humility may be an important ingredient for relationship success. In addition, humility is tied to forgiveness, a powerful tool in happy unions.

*July/August 2015 Psychology Today page 43