What Creates and Keeps a Relationship Healthy?
Being honest and true to each other at all times.
@somebodyme
I really love that you listed apology as one of the items that maintains a healthy relationship. This is so important. Pride can sometimes get in the way of effective communication. This can result in the argument becoming completely removed from the original discussion-- and may even become damaging- simply for the sake of argument. It takes an exceptional individual to take ownership of their shortcoming and to be willing to improve on these. None of us are perfect, but we are responsible for the hurt we cause others, unintentional or otherwise. Right-fighters are some of the worst examples of this.
Absolutely :) I think when people let pride get in the way or start playing mind games or tackle with power in the relationship it doesn't leave much room for mutual respect and understanding. It takes a lot of emotional maturity to apologise.
Yes apology and forgiveness are a huge importance in a relationship ship because if you can't communicate with eachother and be able to accept the apology it will just turn into bottled up hate and lead to divorce
does anyone feel that poor communication that lead to less intimacy, or boring intimacy, in a relationship?
@artgirl1990
Absolutely! I was just talking to my husband about my refusal to be in one of those death-bed marriages that falls into a routine.
Thanks for your response, @blitheSun94. My boyfriend just left me because he says there's no romantic future for him with me. We did have good times together, mostly when we were just friends but I feel living with him killed things off real fast. Our communication was poor. There were habits of just not saying things and they built up over time only to never be said or to come out as a fight since it took so long to speak up.
@artgirl1990
I am so sorry to hear that. I am glad you have been able to detect those differences and the reasons why. I know it doesn't relieve the pain of severing a relationship, but sometimes explanation justifies the closing of a chapter. It sounds like you learned a lot about yourself, your partner, and relationships in general. Communication is absolutely important because it protects both partners from resentment. I hope you're doing okay. 
@blitheSun94, thank you very much! It has been tough.
Communicating with clarity and precision is key in building and maintaining a healthy relationship. Honesty, understanding, respect, and thoughtfulness are also of equal importance.
@blitheSun94 Caring about them! Especially if they have trauma/mental illness. Be there for them and never hurt them in any way, even if they say they want or deserve it. Show them love, let them heal. <3
In my own words: "A healthy relationship is when everyone involved is caring, supportive, and communicate with each other their wants and needs. There should be no violence (hitting, choking, kicking) or supporting others in their violence (not caring about you self harming, encouraging you to engage in unhealthy or dangerous behavior). There can be arguments, because all conflict is normal between everyone, but you should be able to work out a solution together and not hold grudges or constantly bring up others' mistakes. No one partner should be more controlling/dominant than the other, rather everyone involved deserves to be treated with equal respect."
I also like this diagram: https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CRDdZv9VEAAq7a5.jpg
@VegetarianBuddhist14
You bring up a beautiful point in not hurting the other person. Of course this is unavoidable as no one is perfect however I think it is important to stress the difference between bringing harm to your relationship unintentionally, and maliciousness. I have met someone recently who told me he never wants to make me sad. What a beautiful thought! Relationships are tough, even with people we deeply love and admire.
@blitheSun94
communication. yes. definitely. of course love and trust too.
@mikhaela
I think communication is everying and when you really love someone this can make or break your relationship. I have experienced both sides of the coin. I notice a lot of people listing things like attention, respect, reciprocity etc. I feel like the FOUNDATION OF FRIENDSHIP is paramount also. Because there will be times when the romance falls away, specifically in long term relationships. And it is this friendship that will carry you through with genuine love of one's company, similar interests, etc.
@blitheSun94
I agree. friendship does everything in any relationships. it builds another out of ruined relationship
I cannot stress how important communication is. If you're annoyed at something your partner did DO NOT keep it to yourself. You'll become more angry, annoyed, moody and then your partner will be able to notice that. It's not good and honestly you may not want to communicate something because it maybe awkward or you might sound silly for saying it but thats so much better than being moody about something and not sharing your feelings.
@thestarsdontshine
I completely agree with this. Communication is so significant in a relationship. I believe that if you have a problem with your partner, or even if you are upset that they did not do the dishes, that you should express it to them instead of keeping it locked up. Everyone has their own needs and wants, and you can only receive if you communicate. I have realized throughout my relationships, that keeping your emotions to yourself will only cause an increase risk in getting depressed or developing emotional struggles in the future. Of course, that doesn't go for everyone, but I do agree that communication is more important than people think it is.
Respect, honesty, understanding
Communication is very important and a good friendship. Also, honesty, being able to tell hard truths.
