Love is one of the most profound emotions known to human beings
Love encompasses more than just emotions; it involves a set of behaviors that require both partners to commit to their personal growth and become the best version of themselves so they can support each other. A healthy relationship requires effort from both partners to give each other the benefit of the doubt, which fosters a sense of teamwork towards a shared goal. When sustained over time, this teamwork can help couples overcome obstacles together.
Forgiveness and focusing on the good in your partner are critical to building a strong relationship. Recognizing each other’s growth and appreciating even small things, like how they laugh or treat others, is essential. Physical, emotional, and attentional nurturing are all necessary to maintain a healthy relationship. Certain traits, such as confidence that your partner is willing to devote time and attention to you, are especially important. Both partners must also be committed to addressing and accommodating any differences and challenges that arise.
Encouraging each other to grow and improve is important, but doing it in a safe and supportive manner is essential. Knowing when to step back and take a moment to process your thoughts before reacting impulsively is also crucial. Effective communication and understanding are key to building a healthy relationship. Feeling emotionally safe, which involves being relaxed and open, is essential to true intimacy. If one partner gives in to criticism or contempt and attacks the other, they can erode intimacy by triggering the other’s self-defense mechanisms and chipping away at their trust. Research suggests that couples need many more positive interactions than negative ones to maintain a healthy relationship.
You must communicate to your partner that you are committed to them and building a future together. Mutual respect, admiration, and love for each other’s growth are critical in a healthy relationship. In fact, our partners often view us more positively than we view ourselves, and this positive belief in us can help us become our best selves. This phenomenon is called the “Michelangelo phenomenon” because, just as the great sculptor saw the ideal human form hidden within a slab of stone, our partner’s positive messages and support can help us flourish.
How Relationships Fail
Understandably, adult relationships can face challenges that either make them stronger or break them apart. Even the most loving and caring couples struggle with maintaining a healthy connection. It takes time, effort, and practice to develop the skills necessary to make romantic relationships work well, and any threats to the bond can be a source of great emotional pain. Sometimes, the qualities that initially attract us to our partners can eventually become irritants that create distance in the relationship. Everyday challenges such as lack of physical intimacy or constant criticism, contempt, or defensiveness can seriously damage a relationship that has lasted for a long time. Consistent exposure to divisive factors such as jealousy, goal-blocking, closed communication, avoidance of difficult topics, and taking conflict personally can cause a couple’s connection to deteriorate. It’s important to recognize these potential problems early on and discuss them openly and honestly to prevent a relationship from breaking down entirely.
Ultimately, it’s up to each of us to take care of ourselves and our emotional well-being as we navigate the ups and downs of romantic relationships. Remember, it’s okay to ask for help and support when you need it.