How to spot if a relationship is healthy or unhealthy

by Staff Bona

Everyone’s relationship with one another is different – some are healthy, while others are not. Healthy relationships provide support, love and a connection with an individual, while unhealthy relationships can have a negative impact on someone’s well-being.

WebMD states that understanding the difference between healthy and unhealthy relationships is extremely important when making informed decisions about the relationships people choose to have in their lives.

Below are examples of such relationships, by WebMD:

How to tell if a relationship is healthy:

  1. Acceptance: Both partners accept each other for who they are, despite their flaws and imperfections. To foster acceptance in your relationship, focus on your partner’s positive qualities while working on being open-minded. Remember, people change and grow over time. So, it is normal for there to be differences in interests, goals, etc, within the relationship.
  2. Honesty: Both partners can be honest and openly discuss their feelings and thoughts. To build honesty in your relationship, try being open and transparent and avoid keeping secrets.
  3. Support for personal growth: It is evident that both partners support each other’s personal growth and encourage each other to pursue their goals and dreams. Partners also offer practical help when needed.
  4. Equal power dynamic: There is a sense of equality, with both partners feeling equal in decision-making. To cultivate a sense of equality, partners must consider each other’s perspectives and avoid trying to control or dominate their partner.

How to tell if a relationship is unhealthy:

  1. Lack of communication: Both partners are unable to express their needs, desires, feelings and boundaries. This can lead to misunderstandings and resentment.
  2. Lack of boundaries: One or both partners will invade the other’s personal space, time or decision-making. Disrespecting your partner’s boundaries can lead to resentment and a lack of autonomy.
  3. Poor conflict resolution: Here, partners may resolve conflict through unhealthy means like participating in a screaming match, name-calling or physical violence.
  4. Lack of trust: One or both partners may show a lack of trust by being dishonest and unfaithful. This can cause feelings of insecurity.

Also see: Is keeping score healthy for your relationship?