5 Things All Healthy Relationships Require

Toxic. Abusive. Destructive. Unhealthy.

These aren’t words that we’d want to associate with relationships, yet so many of us have experienced this or are still experiencing this. Why? This is a question I used to ask myself often… I was that girl. The one caught in a string of toxic, abusive, destructive and downright unhealthy relationships. I would commit the same mistakes over and over again, barely aware of the fact that I was the one creating my mess. Simply put, I didn’t know how to have a healthy relationship, but now I do.

After years of painful relationships, I found my way out. I’ve discovered what it really takes to attract and maintain healthy relationships. It’s like a veil has been lifted and I can finally see love for what it truly is… Pure, unconditional, uplifting and supportive. Anything less than that is no longer acceptable in my life.

Healthy relationships are available to everyone, you just need to know what they require to exist. Here are five things that all healthy relationships require:

Self-Love

In order to have a healthy, loving relationship with another human being, you must first learn to love yourself. Self-love creates a stronger capacity to love others. It opens you up to experiencing love without fear. Self-love makes you stronger, and when two self-loving individuals get together, they have the ability to experience the full potential of love.

Trust

This may seem obvious, but so many people are with partners they don’t trust. Work on building your confidence and loving yourself completely prior to setting foot in another relationship. The stronger you are as an individual, the easier it will become to trust. And if your partner really isn’t trustworthy, ask yourself why you’re staying. The answer to that question is directly related to your self-worth.

Honesty

Too many people believe white lies are ok. But what happens when you build white lie upon white lie upon white lie? Your relationship will find itself in a web of lies. Be with someone you can be 100 percent honest with — a partner who will be 100% honest with you. True freedom in a relationship comes from the power of honesty.

Communication

There’s a difference between talking at someone and talking to someone. A healthy conversation between two people does not result in raised voices or vicious attacks. Communicate to each other with love and compassion and check your ego’s at the door. Speak, listen, and really hear what each other is saying. Don’t just wait for your turn to speak… hear your partner out.

Connection

It’s far too easy to get caught up in our careers. Work has a tendency to take priority these days, but the truth is… your relationship should be your priority. This is your homebase, your sacred place, your biggest support… this is your person. They deserve to be your priority just as much as you deserve to be theirs. Make a point to connect with each other daily. Do things together. Make time for each other. And above all else, enjoy life together. Don’t miss out on your beautiful love story because you’re pushing for paychecks. Dedicate real time to connecting with your partner.

Master these five things, and you will master your relationships. It’s time to say goodbye to unhealthy relationships. It’s time to stop settling for less than you deserve. It’s time for you to embrace healthy relationships. After all… you are worthy.