While relationships are complicated, there are many "green flags," or aspects of healthy relationships that we can identify readily. Here are some characteristics to get you talking with your partner(s) about...
Communication, speaking and listening, is open and spontaneous.
Each person is open to being vulnerable with their partner(s).
Expectations and boundaries are clear and explicit, yet allow flexibility.
Responsibility is taken for mistakes and the person grows from these experiences.
Exploration into individuality, freedom, personal privacy, individual growth, change, and becoming comfortable with their own personal identity are encouraged.
Each person takes time to do things for themselves, and there's a balance of also doing things for their partners.
There's a balance of time with partner(s) and time to ones self.
Trust can be developed and repaired.
Conflict can be workshopped with the people involved and constructive feedback can be openly given and taken non-defensively for the improvement of the relationship.
Negotiations are fair and democratic
Each person must let go of the need to be right, and embrace understanding and collaboration instead.
Assertiveness in comunicating and addressing needs and wants for each individual and the partnership itself.
Meaningful relationships and interests exist outside of the relationship(s).
Having fun together, respectful play and humor, are part of the dynamic of the relationship.
There are reinforcers of commitment to the relationship (things said And done that show appreciation for the relationship and the individuals in the relationship).
Individuals in the relationship take responsibility for their own behaviors and happiness, not relying on the other to make them happy.
There's no attempt to "fix" or control your partner(s).
There is acceptance of the other partner(s) for their real self.
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