Healthy, happy relationships can bring joy and excitement into life, but they can also take some work. Building meaningful relationships is a process of sharing, learning, and growing together. From best friends to romantic partners, every relationship is unique. Below, we’ll learn about what makes a healthy relationship and some ways you can work towards one.
What Makes a Healthy Relationship?
A healthy relationship is one that makes you happy, though it’s normal to experience small bumps along the way. After all, nobody is perfect!
It takes time to build a strong, comfortable connection with another person. Every healthy relationship will look a little different, but they should always be:
- Respectful. Friendships and romantic partnerships are built on shared respect and consideration. This means both people use thoughtful communication, listening skills, and honesty in the relationship.
- Safe. The people you spend time with should make you feel physically and emotionally safe. People who care about you should not hurt you, insult you, or put you down.
- Trusting. A healthy relationship relies on mutual trust and honesty. Confidence and comfort in a relationship means telling the truth about your feelings, thoughts, and actions.
- Fulfilling. Healthy relationships bring value and joy to our lives. Spending time and making memories with the people we care about should make us happy and content.
Always use safe dating practices and avoid spending time with people who make you feel unsafe, uncomfortable, or bad about yourself. Focus your energy on the people in your life who make you feel good!
Building and Maintaining a Healthy Relationship
Making a new friend or getting a boyfriend or girlfriend doesn’t happen overnight. Relationships take time, effort, and intention. Whether you are already in a relationship or hoping to have one in the future, here are some tips for creating healthy, functional, fulfilling connections.
Recognize Differences in Needs
Everybody has different needs when it comes to their energy levels, time, attention, and communication style. Acknowledge where your needs vary, and make an effort to find compromises that work for both partners.
Some people may need more social outings to be happy, while others prefer more alone time. You may like a quiet environment, while your partner would rather listen to music.
Like most things in life, relationships are all about finding balance. Ask for what you need, and listen when others express their feelings.
Work on Communication Skills
Socializing is a skill that takes some practice for everyone, but autistic people may need to work a little harder when navigating social situations. Good communication is the foundation of a healthy relationship, so it’s important to practice these skills.
Unfortunately, we can’t read other people’s minds. Whatever your preferred method of communication may be, work on expressing yourself honestly. Practice with people you are comfortable with, like family members, friends, and other trusted people in your life.
Developing your listening skills will help you avoid miscommunication in your relationships, giving you the freedom to express your needs in a healthy, productive way.
Set Expectations
It’s often said that you should treat people how you want to be treated, but that’s not always true. In fact, it’s a better habit to try and treat people the way they want to be treated.
Work on understanding what makes someone feel respected and loved. Try to learn these things about yourself as well. How do you like people to communicate with you? What makes you feel cared for? Sharing these things with a friend or partner will help them understand how to support and love you.
Spend Time on Common Interests
Relationships are often built on shared interests and hobbies. You won’t always like all the same things, but try to spend time on activities that bring you both joy. Whether it’s video games, puzzles, gardening, or art projects, share the things that make you both happy.
Someone who cares about you will show interest in the things you care about. Take an interest in the things that your partner enjoys, as well, even if it’s not something you have a lot of experience with. Learn about what they like to do and try new things together.
Discover More Relationship Advice and Self-Determination Resources From NueroNav
Healthy, happy relationships can be a wonderful part of life. Loving and being loved for who we are can improve our self-confidence, help us build social skills, and have new, exciting experiences.
NeuroNav is your source for resources and advice regarding self-determination, living with disabilities, and improving your quality of life. Learn more about our services and keep up with our blog for more useful tips and guides about important topics.
For those living in California, the Self-Determination Program (SDP) can help adults with disabilities make important decisions about their lives. See how you can get financial freedom and support to meet your goals, learn new skills, and work towards greater independence.
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