The Sure Signs of a Healthy Relationship

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Relationships are essential to people, in and out of recovery from addiction. As human beings, we thrive on our connections to others, and building healthy relationships may be a key component to a fulfilling life. On the other hand, unhealthy relationships can impact us on many levels.That’s why it is important to understand the components of good relationships.

You may know a lot about warning signs that may alert you to be cautious in a relationship. While being conscious and aware of these warning signs, you may not recognize the characteristics of healthy relationships. You may know what to avoid yet not be sure of what to gravitate toward. We are often so focused on avoiding bad things and negativity that we may fail to recognize the good stuff right in front of us.

Trust and Security

Trust is the cornerstone of any healthy relationship, whether with a friend, romantic partner, support group members, or therapist. Without trust, a relationship can fall apart, as you may not feel safe opening up to someone you do not trust. In a relationship, you need to be vulnerable to some degree. To display vulnerability, you need to trust that the other person will not use your vulnerabilities against you. You need to know that the other person is reliable and dependable to feel a sense of security. 

Keep in mind that each relationship needs the opportunity to grow, and you may need to take some time to feel secure. You can take your time to evaluate the person’s trustworthiness as you get to know them before sharing or disclosing too much too early. You will likely need to disclose early on that you are in recovery, as sobriety can affect where you can go out on dates or meet up. However, you do not need to disclose a lot of details right away and can give yourself some time to “feel the person out.”

Interest and Appreciation

People in healthy relationships often share mutual interests or overall goals. You may both have an interest in a hobby or a passion. You may have a shared interest in committing to a healthy lifestyle — whatever that may look like for each of you. Often, people meet one another while pursuing their passions. Remember to focus on pursuing your interests for your own fulfillment and be open to meeting people along the way.

A sign of a healthy relationship is sharing a sense of appreciation for each other’s similarities and differences. While you and your partner may not have all of the same interests, each can exhibit enthusiasm and support in the other’s goals. Being in a healthy relationship means that you are two individuals coming together. Sometimes, you can share in activities, and other times, you may have interests that do not match. Respecting those differences and being supportive of one another’s individuality is a sign of a healthy relationship.

Open and Honest Communication

You need to be open and honest to maintain a healthy relationship. If you feel that you can be honest with your partner, you will likely be in a trusting and healthy relationship. Communication usually improves as you build the relationship. If you feel as though you are “walking on eggshells” or feeling uncomfortable sharing with the other person due to their reactions, you may not be in a healthy relationship. When you trust that you can openly talk to the other person and not fear judgment from them, you are likely in a healthy relationship.

Conflicts occur during any relationship. When faced with a conflict, if you are holding back on communicating to avoid confrontation, you may be stunting your relationship’s growth. If you and your partner disagree about something, you may need to work on finding solutions to restore harmony. In a relationship with open and honest communication, conflicts can provide growth opportunities that strengthen the bond between you. Unhealthy relationships often have partners feeling the need to “win” at the expense of the other person’s needs. Open and honest communication is directed at finding solutions and not at finding fault or blame.

Take Your Time

Remember to allow your relationships the time and space they need to grow. When in recovery, you may need to find someone willing to be patient with you as you heal. You may also need to be patient with yourself in building your relationships. Give yourself and your partner time to grow. Take small steps and recognize whether they are moving you forward or backward. Are you creating more trust as you go? Are you feeling more or less comfortable with honesty as you build the relationship? If your relationship continues gradual growth in these areas, you will most likely be in a healthy relationship that will get stronger over time.

Healthy relationships are the connecting of two individuals who do not need one another to be whole. We often can notice the warning signs of when things are going wrong in relationships. We may have learned about codependency and other unhealthy types of relationships while in recovery. We may also need to know what to look for in a healthy relationship to find a fulfilling and satisfying partnership. Start slowly and allow time for a healthy relationship to grow. You want to look for trust, open communication, honesty, security, appreciation, and shared interests. Finding and maintaining a healthy relationship first begins with yourself and your own healing. You may need to work on yourself before entering a new relationship. If you are suffering from addiction and need help, call The Kimberly Center at (855) 452-3683. We are here to help those struggling with addictions lead richer, more fulfilling lives. Call today!

 

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