What are 6 signs that you have healthy relationships?

If you’ve been following us on social media, you would have noticed that this week has been all things relationships!
(If you haven’t - go ahead and follow us @themindsetprojectvic on Instagram, The Mindset Project on Facebook or The Mindset Project on LinkedIn)

** Little side note: throughout this blog post, when we talk relationships we are speaking about everything from a romantic partner to family members, from friends to work colleagues. **

We can all safely say that healthy relationships are the foundation of a fulfilling life. These connections play a vital role in our overall well-being and happiness.
In this blog post, let’s explore the key ingredients that contribute to healthy relationships and provide valuable insights on how to cultivate and maintain them for a lifetime of love, trust, and fulfilment.

1. Communication
   It is always said that communication is the key to a successful relationship and ain’t that the truth!
   Open and honest communication is going to create rapport between two people, provide a clear understanding of thoughts and strengthen bonds.
   Remember that communication is a two way street, as much as you need to communicate, you also need to be willing to actively listen to others and compromise where necessary.

2. Boundaries
   Setting and honouring your own boundaries is number one. Until you honour your own boundaries, you will find it challenging to ask others to honour them. Following that is obviously understanding, acknowledging and honouring the boundaries of the other person.
   Boundaries could look like:
   - at work: working hours and job responsibilities
   - in romantic relationships: time and honesty
   - with friends and family: communication and support

3. Trust and Respect
   Trust is paramount in creating a solid foundation to a relationship. If you do not trust the other person, it becomes
   Respect that everyone has a different upbringing, has different experiences and therefore, has different views and opinions. Embrace the beauty in each other’s individuality and uniqueness and use it to create something powerful rather than a block.

4. Empathy
   Holding space and empathy in relationships is not feeling sorry for a person or pitying them. It is about feeling with the person, being able to put yourself in their shoes and understand them.
   This is a big part of healthy relationships to allow each person to feel safe and seen, creates space for vulnerability and encourages an emotional connection.

5. Support
   Healthy relationships thrive on mutual support and encouragement. Celebrate each other's successes and achievements, offer a lending hand during tough times, and be each other's biggest cheerleaders. When both people feel valued and supported, they are more likely to grow together and overcome challenges.

6. Conflict Resolution
   No relationship is without conflict, but healthy relationships handle disagreements constructively. Instead of avoiding conflict, address it calmly and respectfully. Focus on finding solutions rather than assigning blame. A willingness to compromise and a commitment to resolving issues strengthens the bond and leads to personal growth.

There are likely times you have held a relationship that doesn’t sit quite right with you. You might have questioned how you’re being treated, whether the relationship is fulfilling your needs or even if that is what the relationship should feel/look like.
A few things to keep in mind if you find yourself questioning the ‘health’ of a relationship:

• Disrespect

• Notice when someone is lacking respect for your boundaries, feelings, opinions or personality.

• Control and Intimidation
  Be aware when one person is overbearing and making all of the decisions rather than it being a discussion.

• Dependence
  On the other side of control, be aware if someone is leaning on you and relying on you to do everything.

• Dishonesty and Lack of Trust
  This can be from either end. If you notice dishonesty from one person, you are going to start to lose trust in them or they could lack trust in you.

It is important in these scenarios to give yourself a little audit too and ask yourself these 3 questions:
1. How am I showing up in this relationship?
2. Am I being the person I am expecting the other to be?
3. What responsibility can I take and what can I do to improve work on the relationship?
If you are half-assing a relationship and not giving 110% to it, why should you expect that of someone else?

From here, it is important to make a change.
- Are you able to completely walk away?
- Do you need to have a conversation and bring your concerns to their attention?
- Is there something you can do to improve the relationship?
- Who can you speak to if you don’t feel comfortable speaking to the person?
- Is it just a matter of finding out what the purpose of the relationship is and putting a line in the sand?

Healthy relationships are not built overnight; they require effort, commitment, and understanding from both parties involved.
By prioritising the above, we can create lasting and fulfilling connections. Remember that every relationship is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Embrace the journey of growth, cherish your loved ones, and cultivate the seeds of love and connection for a lifetime of happiness.

A HOT TIP!
Spend 3 minutes completing The Love Language Quiz.
It is a really beneficial way to understand yourself a little more and how you thrive in relationships.
I can share from experience that after completing the quiz, I found out my love language is ‘time’. I now understand myself and my expectations of relationships so much more and can use this base to creating healthy relationships.

Onward and upward to a life of thriving, healthy, supporting relationships for you!