Hallmarks of Healthy Relationships

By Shelley Galasso Bonanno, MA, LLP

Healthy relationships are crucial to our well-being. They are the cornerstone of a fulfi lling life, whether they are romantic, familial, or friendships. While much has been written about dysfunctional and/ or unhealthy relationship patterns, it can be equally important to consider what qualities contribute to healthy, mutually emotionally fulfilling, relationships. Healthy relationships involve trust, honesty, respect, and open communication. Healthy relationships require effort and compromise between people. In fact, there are many hallmarks of healthy relationships including:

Mutual Respect

Respect is fundamental in any relationship. It involves valuing each other’s opinions, feelings, and boundaries. In a healthy relationship, both parties feel heard and appreciated. They acknowledge each other’s individuality and refrain from belittling or undermining one another.

Open Communication

Effective communication is the bedrock of a healthy relationship. Being able to openly and comfortably express thoughts and feelings honestly without fear of judgment or retaliation is crucial. Open communication involves active listening, where each person makes an effort to understand the other’s perspective. Misunderstandings are addressed constructively and promptly. Keeping our feelings bottled up can lead to feelings of resentment and anger if not addressed.

Trust and Honesty

Trust is built over time through consistent and reliable behavior. In healthy relationships, both parties feel secure and confi dent in each other’s loyalty and integrity. Honesty is crucial, as it fosters trust and prevents misunderstandings. While trust is often broken in relationships, it is then addressed with sincerity and a commitment to rebuild it.

Equity and Fairness

Healthy relationships are characterized by a balance of power. Decisions are made together, and both parties have an equal say. There is no dominance or control by one person over the other. Fairness ensures that both individuals feel valued and respected.

Support and Encouragement

In a healthy relationship, both parties support each other’s goals and aspirations. They celebrate each other’s successes and provide comfort during challenging times. Encouragement and positive reinforcement help both individuals grow and thrive.

Independence and Personal Space

While spending time together is important, maintaining individuality is equally crucial. Healthy relationships allow for personal space and independence. Each person has their own interests, hobbies, and friendships outside the relationship. This independence fosters personal growth.

Conflict Resolution

Disagreements are natural in any relationship, but how they are handled makes all the difference. Healthy relationships involve resolving conflicts through respectful dialogue and compromise. Both parties are willing to find solutions that work for both, rather than insisting on being right and/or refusing to openly discuss disagreements.

Fun and Enjoyment

Healthy relationships are also about having fun and enjoying each other’s company. Laughter, shared activities, and creating happy memories together contribute to a positive and fulfi lling relationship by increasing feelings of connection and belonging.

Healthy relationships require effort, commitment, and a willingness to grow together. By fostering mutual respect, open communication, trust, and support, individuals can build strong connections that can last a lifetime.

A lifelong resident of Macomb County, Shelley Galasso Bonanno is a practicing limited licensed psychologist who earned her master’s degree from Wayne State University in 1987. She has a breadth of experience in working with adults, children, families, and couples. In addition to working in private practice, Ms. Bonanno performs consultative services for State and forensic agencies. She performs custody and parenting time evaluations and is a court approved mediator. Her writings have appeared in various online and print publications. An advocate for mental health, you can follow Ms. Bonanno on X (Twitter) @shelleybonanno.