522: What Healthy Relationships Actually Look Like
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Episode Summary
In this episode, I’m talking about what a healthy relationship actually looks like.
After hearing from so many people about narcissism, gaslighting, and unhealthy relationship patterns, I wanted to talk about the other side: how do we know when a relationship is healthy? Whether it is with a partner, parent, sibling, friend, child, or anyone else in your life, healthy relationships have certain qualities that help us feel safe, respected, heard, and connected.
I share eight qualities of healthy relationships, including mutual respect, healthy apologies, enjoying each other’s company, respecting boundaries, thoughtfulness, honoring each other’s needs, listening with presence, and having open, honest communication.
I also talk about why communication is one of the most important parts of a healthy relationship. So many of us expect others to know what we feel or need, but it is our job to share our reality. When we speak from “I,” express what is happening inside of us, and ask for what we need without blame or shame, relationships can begin to change.
Key Takeaways
Healthy relationships are built on mutual respect, even when two people do not agree
A healthy apology means owning the hurt we caused, even if it was unintentional
Enjoying someone’s company, feeling relaxed around them, and looking forward to seeing them are signs of a healthy connection
Respectful boundaries are essential in healthy relationships
Thoughtfulness does not have to be complicated. It can be as simple as checking in, offering kind words, or remembering what someone needs
People in healthy relationships want to know and honor each other’s needs
Listening with presence helps the other person feel seen, heard, and valued
Open and honest communication is one of the most important qualities of a healthy relationship
Using “I” statements helps us share our reality without blaming or putting the other person on defense
Healthy relationships require regular check-ins, intentional connection, and a willingness to talk about what is really going on
Healthy Relationships
Healthy relationships are not perfect relationships. They are relationships where both people are willing to show up, communicate, take responsibility, and care about the impact they have on one another.
One of the biggest signs of a healthy relationship is mutual respect. This means we do not have to agree on everything, but we can still respect each other’s choices, beliefs, opinions, and boundaries. We do not try to change the other person into who we want them to be.
Related Episodes
You may also enjoy:
302: Gaslighting 101
512: Narcissism Explained
514: Moving On After Hurt
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