How to Build Healthy Relationships in a Modern World

The forces of modern relationships are so complex and confusing that it can feel like an uphill battle. With nearly 50% of marriages in the US ending in divorce, it's clear that a lot of people don't know how to have a healthy relationship. The average American spends over two hours per day scrolling through feeds and updates, sacrificing quality time with their significant other. 

So, whether you're in the early stages of a romance or trying to refresh the spark in a long-term commitment, get ready to find out healthy relationship characteristics and related secrets to build something wholesome.  

Main Characteristics of a Healthy Relationship

The basics of every strong connection, even if it's online dating, lie in a foundation built upon essential elements that encourage understanding, trust, and growth. So what is a healthy relationship and what are the criteria? Here are some of the main characteristics of a healthy relationship:

1. Trust. It involves being able to rely on each other, being honest and open, and feeling secure in the relationship.
2. Respect. We need to learn to accept people as they are. In turn, this means respecting a person's opinions and choices, as well as their boundaries.
3. Communication. Not everyone knows how to find a common language and express their emotions as they feel them. Therefore, you need to communicate as often as possible and not hide what worries you in the relationship.
4. Intimacy. Physical intimacy is just the tip of the iceberg, because intimacy on an emotional level is much deeper. It involves revealing yourself completely, including, your inner fears and vulnerabilities.
5. Independence. Both need to look outside the relationship for inspiration. This includes hobbies, friends, career, and even your financial situation.
6. Equality. Being a couple means being partners who do most of the things together. This way, you make life easier for each other and become a team.
7. Commitment. Only the efforts and desire of both to work on the relationship and contribute to it can lead to something more. 
8. Support. Being there for each other during difficult times is what significantly matters. 

What is the Best Way to Build a Healthy Relationship?

The modern popularity of rushed connections through dating online services makes it challenging to have a meaningful bond with another person yet rewarding. So what are the practical steps required to foster a relationship that withstands the tests of time? With the described principles, you'll be on your way to creating a partnership that not only enriches your life but is also an inspiration for others.

Communication is key

When your partner is speaking, give them your full attention, especially if you communicate via one of the best online dating services. Avoid distractions, make eye contact, and don't interrupt. Comment on what you've heard to continue the discussion. Express your feelings and thoughts using "I" statements instead of "you.". For example, "I felt hurt when..." rather than "You hurt me by saying...". You must share your thoughts and feelings as they are. However, it's required to build trust first so you can show your vulnerability. Don't bring up serious issues when you're stressed or tired, especially in a public place. Let it be a quiet spot and a private moment when you're both calm and ready to discuss the case.

Respect each other's boundaries 

Individual boundaries and needs have to be considered. This could include physical, emotional, sexual, financial, or social boundaries. When your partner sets a boundary, make sure there's no place for judgment. When people have their own social circle, and devote time to their hobbies and development, then we become more valuable and interesting. No one should interfere with this or blame it. If you have problems with this, then it's time for you to mind your own business. 

Practice empathy and understanding

Walking a mile in your partner's shoes helps you understand their beliefs and emotions better. You cannot change their experiences so accepting them is what you can actually do. Pay attention to how the conversations go and use phrases that can be counted for much: "I understand how you feel…" or "That hurts me to hear that…". In addition to it, demonstrate empathy by hugging, holding hands, or making a drink. Developing sensibility towards a person and understanding takes time so just be patient with yourself and your loved ones.

Manage conflicts in a positive way

Disagreements are normal but learn to fight fairly. When tensions arise, take a deep breath and try not to react impulsively. Staying calm helps prevent the situation from getting worse and allows for more productive communication. Whatever happens, realize that it's just another issue for both of you to overcome. Using a bit of humor or affection often works to handle the tension and remind you of the love you live through.

Show appreciation and affection

Living together often becomes a routine, and everything that happens at the initial stage is forgotten. We must regularly mention how we appreciate and love each other. Give compliments and specify things that you admire. In addition, don't forget about physical affection. Physical touch releases oxytocin, the "love hormone," and can deepen your emotional connection. Some lovely surprises, such as cooking a favorite meal, leaving a note, or bringing a minor gift, will make you closer. Another interesting thing to do is to keep a journal where you write down the things you appreciate about your partner or find memorable moments of the day. Offering help to take something off their plate is also an expression of care. 

Be a team

In addition to being romantic partners, there has to be a strong friendship. Collaborate on dividing household chores, financial responsibilities, and any tasks that will let you feel you're in the same boat. For major life choices, make sure to involve each other in the process of making decisions and find compromises that work for both of you. Remember, any difficulties should be approached as a united front supporting each other.

Summing-up 

If you go through the online dating services reviews, you will understand that it's possible to build healthy relationships even from a distance. However, many people struggle with it in today's modern world. Healthy relationships provide a haven of support and understanding, which are necessary for our mental and psychological well-being. Building such a union requires vulnerability, which can be uncomfortable for many individuals, leading them to avoid emotional intimacy. 

Effective communication is the bedrock of good bonds, but many people cannot express their feelings in the right manner. Moreover, negative past experiences create trust issues. As you can see, there's a lot to learn and work on if you want to have a relationship that fulfills you and makes you happy. So never lose sight of why you fell in love in the first place and consider the advice with care. 

Image Credit Unsplash