

{"id":17791,"date":"2017-09-22T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2017-09-22T08:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/?p=17791"},"modified":"2025-11-04T06:18:13","modified_gmt":"2025-11-04T06:18:13","slug":"top-characteristics-of-a-healthy-relationship","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/relationship\/top-characteristics-of-a-healthy-relationship\/","title":{"rendered":"13 Characteristics of a Healthy Relationship"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-113583\" src=\"https:\/\/image.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Peaceful-loving-couple.png\" alt=\"Peaceful loving couple\" width=\"804\" height=\"536\"><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Love isn&rsquo;t just about grand gestures&mdash;it&rsquo;s the quiet moments, the shared laughter, the soft &ldquo;I understand&rdquo; after a tough day. Healthy relationships feel like home; they&rsquo;re built on trust, respect, and the freedom to simply be yourself.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are certain unspoken qualities that make two people stronger together&hellip; ones that grow deeper with time, communication, and care. These are the true characteristics of a healthy relationship&mdash;the things that turn ordinary love into something lasting, calm, and beautifully real.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What-is-a-healthy-relationship\"><\/span><b>What is a healthy relationship?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>A healthy relationship is one where both people feel safe, respected, and supported. It&rsquo;s about balance&mdash;<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">where love doesn&rsquo;t mean losing yourself, and communication feels natural, even in hard moments. Both partners listen, grow, and make space for each other&rsquo;s needs without control or judgment.<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"research_highlight\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A research paper published in <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC10950301\/\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2023<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> states that when partners repeatedly engage in comforting and affectionate behaviours (like hugs, attentive listening, and supportive comments), their relationship quality improves over time&mdash;even during stressful periods.<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<p><b>Example: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When one partner has a stressful day at work, the other doesn&rsquo;t jump to fix things&mdash;they listen, offer comfort, and show understanding. Over time, these small moments form the foundation of care, trust, and calm&mdash;the real characteristics of a healthy relationship.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><b>Please note:<\/b><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">And if your relationship isn&rsquo;t perfect (no one&rsquo;s is!), don&rsquo;t worry. Growth takes time, patience, and honesty. Every step toward kindness and understanding counts more than perfection ever will.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"13-characteristics-of-a-healthy-relationship\"><\/span><b>13 characteristics of a healthy relationship<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ever wondered what truly makes love last? It&rsquo;s more than chemistry&mdash;it&rsquo;s care, trust, and everyday understanding. When you ask what are the characteristics of a healthy relationship, think balance, communication, respect, and shared growth that feels effortless yet deeply grounding.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>1. Mutual respect<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Respect is one of the most important characteristics of a healthy relationship. It is how you treat one another in your day to day life and it is a big deal. This quality in a relationship allows you to be open and honest with your mate.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/relationship\/how-to-respect-your-husband\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Respect for your partner<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> comprises valuing their needs, feelings, and opinions. You speak kindly to one another, support one another, build each other up, and honor boundaries.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Example:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> When your partner shares a different opinion about a family decision, instead of dismissing it, you pause, listen, and genuinely consider their point of view&mdash;showing respect through understanding, not just agreement.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul><h3><b>2. Spending time together<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When you have free time, you look for ways to spend it with your mate. You are eager and open to doing things that you enjoy as well as tending to your own hobbies.<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"research_highlight\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> A <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.researchgate.net\/profile\/Elaine-Aron\/publication\/12609069_Couples%27_shared_participation_in_novel_and_arousing_activities_and_experienced_relationship_quality\/links\/5577bd0f08aeacff20004ef3\/Couples-shared-participation-in-novel-and-arousing-activities-and-experienced-relationship-quality.pdf\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">research paper<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> published in 2000 states that couples who regularly participate in novel and exciting activities together experience higher relationship quality compared to those doing mundane tasks<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The time spent alone together as a couple bonds you, builds self-esteem, and brings you closer.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Example: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After a long workweek, instead of scrolling through your phones separately, you plan a simple movie night with popcorn&mdash;just being together makes the stress fade away.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"wporg-box\"><div class=\"\"><span class=\"wporg_heading\">RELATED READING : <\/span><span class=\"wporg_title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/relationship\/making-time-for-you-and-your-spouse\/\" title=\"Making Time For You And Your Spouse\">Making Time For You And Your Spouse<\/a><\/span><\/div><\/div>\n<h3><b>3. Open communication<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/communication\/open-communication-in-marriage\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Communication<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is key to healthy relationships. You get to know one another by talking, and the more you talk, the more you learn. This is even true of couples who have been together for many years.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Great communication allows you to talk about silly or funny things, personal memories or goals and allows your disagreements to be resolved quickly and with mutual respect.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Example:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> After a long workweek, instead of scrolling through your phones separately, you plan a simple movie night with popcorn&mdash;just being together makes the stress fade away.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul><h3><b>4. Sexual compatibility<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sexual compatibility is a very important characteristic of a healthy relationship. This is because sexuality is inherently a big deal in most relationships. It goes without saying that a couple should have fantastic sexual chemistry inside and outside of the bedroom to start with.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Example:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> You and your partner discuss what feels good and what doesn&rsquo;t, laughing through awkwardness and staying honest so both feel seen, safe, and satisfied.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"wporg-box\"><div class=\"\"><span class=\"wporg_heading\">RELATED READING : <\/span><span class=\"wporg_title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/physical-intimacy\/experts-reveal-how-to-deal-with-incompatible-sex-drives\/\" title=\"22 Experts Share Tips on Dealing With Sexual Incompatibility\">22 Experts Share Tips on Dealing With Sexual Incompatibility<\/a><\/span><\/div><\/div>\n<h3><b>5. Support<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-113581\" src=\"https:\/\/image.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Supportive-couple-reviewing-resume.png\" alt=\"Supportive couple reviewing r&eacute;sum&eacute;\" width=\"804\" height=\"536\"><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Couples who support one another show that they are confident in their relationship and give their partners the freedom to be themselves and follow their dreams. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/1tWOngvEUduIQuzUnk51Ys4Y_NU_JG4uIm_sIYzEz-kI\/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.n3vts3wtbd7e\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Support<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is also essential during the hard times that every relationship inevitably hits.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Giving your partner a shoulder to cry on and celebrating life&rsquo;s little victories will go a long way in making both spouses happy and content in the relationship.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Example:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> When your partner talks about pursuing a new job, you cheer them on, help review their r&eacute;sum&eacute;, and remind them they&rsquo;re capable&mdash;even when they doubt it.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul><h3><b>6. Trust<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/thekeep.eiu.edu\/cgi\/viewcontent.cgi?article=1018&amp;context=honors_theses\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Trust<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a slippery slope in relationships. It&rsquo;s difficult to get and nearly impossible to gain back once it is lost.Breaking trust can change your partner&rsquo;s personality and their behavior towards you.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When you are in a relationship, you want to be with someone who will keep your secrets, always be honest with you, have your back, and never betray you. When you trust someone, you know they are reliable. You can count on them.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Couples who share mutual trust feel safer both emotionally and physically in their relationship.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Example:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> You feel comfortable sharing your insecurities, knowing your partner won&rsquo;t use them against you or judge&mdash;they protect your heart, even in disagreement.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul><h3><b>7. Confidence<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Confidence in your relationship is the key. Both parties should be crystal clear about how the other one feels about them. This will make them feel secure in the relationship, physically and mentally desirable, and promote trust and bonding.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Having confidence in your relationship will also allow you to solve problems and communicate better since there is never any fear that your partner will end the relationship just because of a fight.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Example:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Even during arguments, you don&rsquo;t worry about breaking up; you both know the bond is strong enough to handle tough days with honesty and care.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"wporg-box\"><div class=\"\"><span class=\"wporg_heading\">RELATED READING : <\/span><span class=\"wporg_title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/relationship\/building-confidence-in-your-marriage\/\" title=\"Compare No More: Building Confidence in Your Marriage\">Compare No More: Building Confidence in Your Marriage<\/a><\/span><\/div><\/div>\n<h3><b>8. You like each other<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-113582\" src=\"https:\/\/image.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Playful-couple-grocery-shopping-together.png\" alt=\"Playful couple grocery shopping together\" width=\"804\" height=\"536\"><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It might seem obvious, but many couples love each other without truly liking one another. You might admire your partner&rsquo;s qualities yet not enjoy their personality or company.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In a healthy relationship, you both genuinely like and love each other&mdash;choosing each other first, whether for deep talks or simple, everyday moments together.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Example:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> You still crack inside jokes, tease each other playfully, and genuinely enjoy each other&rsquo;s company&mdash;even doing mundane things like grocery shopping together.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul><h3><b>9. Honesty<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In order to have an open, trusting relationship, both parties need to practice honesty.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Have an open and honest discussion about subjects that are hard, such as sexual dissatisfaction, life goals, and potential boredom or thoughts of infidelity.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These aren&rsquo;t easy subjects to broach with someone you love, but consistent honesty will bond you closer together and give you comfort in knowing neither you nor your partner will have to worry about the other breaking their trust.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Example:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> When you&rsquo;re unhappy about something, you share it kindly but openly&mdash;because honesty in love builds trust, not walls.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul><h3><b>10. Maintaining individuality<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you dig your partner so much that you want to do absolutely everything with them, that&rsquo;s great. But it&rsquo;s equally important for you to maintain your individuality in a relationship.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This healthy relationship characteristic will ensure that both mates continue to nurture their other relationships, such as those with friends and family. This will give both a diverse and fulfilling social life.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Example:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> You spend the afternoon at a pottery class while your partner meets friends for a hike&mdash;both return home refreshed, ready to share stories from your day apart.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul><p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Watch this TED Talk by Joanne Davila, a clinical psychologist, who shares three evidence-based skills&mdash;insight, mutuality, and emotion regulation&mdash;to build healthier romantic relationships.&nbsp;<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/gh5VhaicC6g?si=5BZTPrNiIXI9kt6B\" width=\"804\" height=\"350\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">&#65279;<\/span><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h3><b>11. Emotional safety<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Feeling emotionally safe means you can express your thoughts, fears, and feelings without worrying about being judged or ridiculed. It&rsquo;s knowing your partner will listen with empathy, not defensiveness. Emotional safety builds trust and closeness, making it easier to resolve conflicts and grow together.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Example:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> When you admit you&rsquo;re feeling insecure, your partner doesn&rsquo;t dismiss it&mdash;they listen, reassure you, and remind you that your feelings matter.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"wporg-box\"><div class=\"\"><span class=\"wporg_heading\">RELATED READING : <\/span><span class=\"wporg_title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/relationship\/emotional-safety\/\" title=\"6 Tips for Building Emotional Safety in Your Relationship\">6 Tips for Building Emotional Safety in Your Relationship<\/a><\/span><\/div><\/div>\n<h3><b>12. Shared values and goals<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While differences keep things interesting, having shared values&mdash;like honesty, family priorities, or personal growth&mdash;creates a strong foundation for long-term harmony. Couples who align on what truly matters find it easier to make decisions and stay united through life&rsquo;s changes.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Example:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> You both value kindness and respect, so even when you disagree, you never resort to harsh words&mdash;you focus on solving, not winning.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul><h3><b>13. Forgiveness and letting go<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No relationship is perfect, and holding onto grudges only builds walls. Learning to forgive&mdash;your partner and yourself&mdash;helps heal emotional wounds and strengthens your bond. Forgiveness isn&rsquo;t forgetting; it&rsquo;s choosing peace over pride.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Example:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> After a heated argument, instead of replaying the hurtful words, you talk, apologize sincerely, and move forward with understanding.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul><h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQ\"><\/span><b>FAQ<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Relationships&mdash;romantic, friendly, or social&mdash;thrive on balance, respect, and genuine care. Here are some quick answers to common questions about what makes relationships healthy and lasting.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li aria-level=\"1\">\n<h3><b>What defines a truly healthy relationship?<\/b><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A healthy relationship is built on trust, respect, and communication where both people feel valued and supported. It&rsquo;s about growing together without losing individuality.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li aria-level=\"1\">\n<h3><b>How can couples strengthen their emotional bond?<\/b><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Spending quality time, practicing empathy, and communicating openly help couples deepen their connection. Small acts of care and understanding go a long way in keeping love strong.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li aria-level=\"1\">\n<h3><b>Which characteristic is a sign of healthy peer relationships?<\/b><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mutual respect is a clear sign of healthy peer relationships&mdash;it allows individuals to value each other&rsquo;s feelings, boundaries, and opinions, creating a safe and supportive connection.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Lasting-love\"><\/span><b>Lasting love<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Healthy relationships aren&rsquo;t built overnight&mdash;they grow through patience, trust, and everyday effort. When both partners communicate openly, respect each other&rsquo;s boundaries, and celebrate small moments of joy, love naturally deepens.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The true beauty lies in showing up for one another, even when things get hard. Remember, the characteristics of a healthy relationship aren&rsquo;t about perfection&mdash;they&rsquo;re about choosing kindness, understanding, and teamwork every single day. Love thrives where two people feel safe to be their real selves, together.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false,"raw":""},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Love isn&rsquo;t just about grand gestures&mdash;it&rsquo;s the quiet moments, the shared laughter, the soft &ldquo;I understand&rdquo; after a tough day. Healthy relationships feel like home; they&rsquo;re built on trust, respect, and the freedom to simply be yourself.&nbsp; There are certain unspoken qualities that make two people stronger together&hellip; ones that grow deeper with time, communication, and care. These are the true characteristics of a healthy relationship&mdash;the things that turn ordinary love into something lasting, calm, and beautifully real. What is a healthy relationship? A healthy relationship is one where both people feel safe, respected, and supported. It&rsquo;s about balance&mdash;where love <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":675,"featured_media":113583,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[9],"tags":[2568],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17791"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/675"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=17791"}],"version-history":[{"count":15,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17791\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":113584,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17791\/revisions\/113584"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/113583"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=17791"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=17791"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=17791"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}