How to strengthen your loving relationship

Everyone’s relationship is unique, and
people come together for many different
reasons. But there are some things that
good relationships have in common.
Knowing the basic principles of healthy

relationships helps keep them meaningful,
fulfilling, and exciting in both happy times
and sad:
What makes a healthy love relationship?
Staying involved with each other. Some
relationships get stuck in peaceful
coexistence, but without truly relating to
each other and working together. While
it may seem stable on the surface, lack
of involvement and communication
increases distance. When you need to
talk about something important, the
connection and understanding may no
longer be there.
Getting through conflict. Some couples
talk things out quietly, while others may
raise their voices and passionately
disagree. The key in a strong
relationship, though, is not to be fearful
of conflict. You need to be safe to
express things that bother you without
fear of retaliation, and be able to resolve
conflict without humiliation,
degradation, or insisting on being right.
Keeping outside relationships and
interests alive. No one person can meet
all of our needs, and expecting too much
from someone can put a lot of unhealthy
pressure on a relationship. Having
friends and outside interests not only
strengthens your social network, but
brings new insights and stimulation to
the relationship, too.
Communicating. Honest, direct
communication is a key part of any
relationship. When both people feel
comfortable expressing their needs,
fears, and desires, trust and bonds are
strengthened. Nonverbal cues—body
language like eye contact, leaning
forward or away, or touching someone’s
arm—are critical to communication.