Healthy Relationships
Healthy relationships are important for a healthy mindset. We are highly influenced by the people we surround ourselves with, so it is important to evaluate our relationships and nurture them. A healthy relationship has trust and proper communication. Relationships should not be one-sided, it is crucial for both parties to make an effort to make sure the other is comfortable in their relationship/friendship. It is not the start of the relationship that matters, it is about how it evolves. Here I will cover Healthy Love vs. Unhealthy Love, Early Signs a Relationship is toxic, How Toxic Relationships Affect Your Health, and When to leave a Relationship.
What Healthy Relationships look like:
Healthy relationships have stability and comfort. Both parties feel like it is easy to communicate with the other, and should be comfortable setting boundaries.
Focus: Family Relationships
Mother-Daughter
Relationships
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Mother-Son
Relationships
Father-Daughter
Relationships
Father-Son
Relationships
Early Signs a Relationship is Toxic
Some romantic relationships are not meant to last, it is important for you to realize when is the right time to pull away for your own sake and for theirs.
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Timing
Timing plays a major role in romantic relationships, if someone has too much baggage, then they will not be in the proper mindset to be a good partner.
2. Lies and distrust
The foundation of any relationship, romantic or otherwise, is built on trust, honesty, understand, and open communication. If you notice a pattern of lies early on in your relationship, that is a sign that you will not have trust in your relationship further down the line.
3. Codependency
Codependent relationships are one of the most toxic because they are the hardest to get out of. Codependent relationships are relationships where one person is the caretaker, and the other person takes advantage.
Videos on Identifying and recovering from Codependent Relationships
Check out this video contrasting Healthy vs Unhealthy Love
Healthy Love
Stability
Independence
Concern
Teasing
Generosity
Honesty
Unhealthy Love
Intensity
Isolation
Jealousy
Belittling
Manipulation
Volatility
Misusing these words can be very harmful and these psychological terms should not be used flippantly.
Oftentimes when you are in an unhealthy relationship, your body will try to tell and you will start to physically feel sick. Pay attention to your body, and make sure to take action.
When to leave a Relationship
This is a really difficult question to answer because all relationships are complicated, but here are some boundaries that simply cannot be crossed.
1. Physically Abusive Relationships
There is absolutely no reason to remain in a physically abusive relationship. No matter your history with that person, physical abuse is not okay under any circumstances.
2. Verbally Abusive Relationships
Verbal abuse can be just as damaging as physical abuse. Damage from consistent verbal abuse over several years can lead to life long mental damage, this type of behavior isn't acceptable the first time.
Something that is very hard to hear, but is important to know, is that you can never be good enough for the wrong person. For your own sanity, it is important to leave at the first signs that the relationship is not working. It is true that all relationships have misunderstandings and miscommunications, but the way you both deal with those issues is a reflection of your relationship and is something you should take note of.