Humans are inherently social beings – we thrive in the presence of others and wither in isolation. Throughout our lives, we yearn for connection with others and work hard to establish and maintain healthy relationships. These bonds are what drive us to be better people and lead happier, more fulfilled lives.
There are many different types of relationships – with family, friends, romantic partners, co-workers, and more – but according to Jonah Engler, all healthy relationships share certain fundamental characteristics.
The Basics of Every Healthy Relationship
Open communication
The foundation of all healthy relationships is honest and open communication. Partners should feel comfortable sharing their thoughts, feelings, needs, and wants with each other without fear of judgment or reprisal.
Mutual respect
Mutual respect is important in relationships because it helps to ensure that both parties feel valued and appreciated. When mutual respect is present, both parties are more likely to feel comfortable communicating openly with each other and working together to resolve any conflicts that may arise. Additionally, mutual respect can help to foster a deeper sense of connection and intimacy between partners.
Support and encouragement
A key element of any healthy relationship is feeling supported by your partner. This includes emotional support – feeling like your partner is there for you when you need them – and practical support, like help with childcare or pitching in around the house.
A sense of fairness
One of the fundamental aspects of any healthy relationship is fairness. Relationships can only thrive when partners treat each other equally and strongly value each other’s opinions. If one feels like they are constantly giving more than they are getting, it can lead to resentment and bitterness. Likewise, if one person feels like they are always the one making compromises, it can also lead to problems. Fairness doesn’t mean that everything must be 50-50 all the time, but it does mean that both partners should feel like they are being heard and respected.
Commitment
When it comes to relationships, Jonah Engler believes that commitment is key. A committed relationship is one in which both partners are invested in the relationship and work together to make it work. This means being supportive of each other, being honest with each other, and being willing to compromise when necessary. It also means being there for each other, both emotionally and physically. A committed relationship takes work, but it can be incredibly rewarding.
Independence
While commitment and support are essential in any healthy relationship, it’s also important that both partners maintain a sense of independence. This means having your own hobbies, friends, and interests outside of the relationship.
Trust
Trust is the foundation of any healthy relationship. Without trust, it isn’t easy to feel safe and secure in a relationship. Mistrust can lead to jealousy, insecurity, and resentment. If you don’t trust your partner, you must communicate your feelings openly and honestly.
Patience
All relationships will go through ups and downs, but a healthy relationship can weather any storm with the help of a little patience. This means accepting each other’s faults, forgiving each other for petty mistakes, and giving each other the time and space needed to work through difficult times.
Boundaries
Setting boundaries is vital in any relationship, whether with a romantic partner, family member, friend, or colleague. Establishing and maintaining healthy boundaries allows both parties to feel respected and valued and creates a sense of safety and trust. Without these boundaries, relationships can quickly become unbalanced and unhealthy.
Bottom Line
According to Jonah Engler, every relationship requires effort and consistency to thrive. You cannot expect to develop a healthy bond with someone unless you learn how to make them feel truly loved, valued, and respected.
