Having a Healthy Relationship

Many couples think that because they have been dating for years, they must be doing something right.  However, dating length of time is not an indication of a relationship health. Having a healthy relationship doesn’t just happen. It takes a lot of work and an ounce of prevention. So if you want to stay out of the doctor’s office, practice a little relationship preventive medicine.

The best way to fight of disease is to communicate, communicate, and communicate.  And not just about your weekend plans, or what someone said to someone else.  Communication is a two-way street that maintains a balance between talking and listening.  If there’s a problem between you, don’t give the silent treatment.  Nor is it wise to blow your stack and start yelling.  Rather, talk it out.  Share your thoughts but listen to theirs as well. And be sure to be honest when you communicate.  Lying or telling the other person what you think they want to hear is no way to build a healthy relationship.

One must also be able to know how to handle a disagreement too in order to have a healthy relationship. That is we should learn to show respect and listen to the other person’s side and never raised your voice because it only escalates the argument to a fight.

A healthy relationship maintains a balance between the mental, physical, and spiritual aspects of life. When too much time is spent in one area, the relationship takes on unhealthy characteristics. Like for instance, physically, if kissing, touching, etc. is dominating your time together, the relationship is at risk.  Just like one can’t survive on the desert for nourishment, a relationship can’t survive strictly on physical improvement. On the other hand, mentally, if you’re spending too much time in the physical department, then you can bet that the mental and social aspect of your relationship is lacking. Spiritually speaking, often not enough attention is given to this aspect of the relationship.  However, God calls us to hold each other accountable and to encourage each other to love and serve him. And let us consider how we may spur one another towards love and good deeds.

Most importantly, being true to yourself, is a key to a healthy relationship. Although most of us tend to put our best foot forward as long as possible. However, at some point, the other person has to get to know the real you. This means, they are going to see some of your less than perfect qualities.  Yes, it is possible that they could reject you, but you also might find that they still care about you.  Opening yourself up is risky, but the benefits of knowing someone cares about the real you far outweigh the negatives.  So go ahead- be proud of whom God made you, and be yourself to have a healthy you and possibly have a healthy relationship that will truly make you and your life happy.