6 Ways To Know If You Are in a Healthy Relationship In 2025
Relationships have always been the cornerstone of our world and one of the best places to learn more about ourselves and the ways we might grow. And in the times we are in, everything feels speeded up and intensified. We can form relationships more quickly, especially the 2-dimensional online type, and we can ditch people even more quickly - and lose the golden opportunity to grow. And we are left yearning for something more and something real.
You’ll find such rewards and benefits in learning how to have healthy, long-term relationships, whether friendship, romantic, or combination therein. Stay tuned to this page and check back every now and again, for advice on developing and maintaining relationships.
But first, let’s start with understanding what a good relationship looks like.
Healthy relationships are:
Reciprocal
Good things should flow back and forth.
Characterized by Productive Conflict
Conflict happens. It just does. And it needs to! (It’s healthy to have productive conflict). It is important to move or work through conflicts, even if it’s in small bites. Otherwise, you’ll express your resentment or frustration ‘sideways,’ and your relationship will likely bog down, become full of unexpressed hurt, then become stuck.
Enjoyable
Yes, you have to ‘work’ to communicate and move through conflict. But not all of the time . . . build capital in the relationship by engaging, connecting, and being playful.
Growthful
Growth is a lifelong process. Choosing to actively engage in growth supports feeling alive and vibrant, both individually, and in relationship. If one person is growing relationally and the other not, then the relationship will feel increasingly unequal, as though you are just in two different places. This feeling can widen the gap between the two of you over time, and the relationship can stall out.
Respectful
Yes, treat the Other(s) as you wish to be treated. Expect the Other(s) to treat you well, too. Being respectful is a key ingredient to productive conflict. During conflict, some heat and intensity are okay, but it’s never okay to demean the Other(s).
Value Your Relationships
They are a treasure and one of the things that will mean the most to you at the end of your (hopefully many) days. Be grateful for each and every one. And say it often.
