Many people are curious about what makes a relationship
tick. Is love enough? Is it about commitment, trust, or passion? Or is it about
that unmeasurable yet compelling mix that equals compatibility? There are a
lot of articles on the internet about how to cultivate healthy relationships,
and even though it may seem exciting to have one shining answer to the perfect
relationship, the truth is that there isn’t one. It is a bit like asking for a
one-ingredient recipe that is both intricate and delicious. Relationships, like
any well-rounded dish, have a combination of ingredients with different
specifications, and each individual has their own preference.

The spread of Covid-19 across the world has had some
interesting repercussions on romantic relationships. It has necessitated either
staying at home together or falling into being a relationship of a more
long-distance nature. Single people looking to mingle are forced to find
different ways to seek out partners or go on dates. In any case, the normal
rhythm of relationships has been disrupted and compelled us to look for new ways
to adapt to the changing climate.

On the surface, many things seem to have changed as couples
are posed with new challenges. However, what actually constitutes a healthy
relationship seems to have remained the same. Here a few common characteristics
of strong and healthy relationships:

Connection: This is one of the most fundamental aspects of
any good relationship. This connection could also be labeled a mutual
attraction towards each other (whether physically, intellectually, or
emotionally and preferably all three) and a genuine interest in spending time
with one another and actually being together in the long-term.

Similarity: The phrase that opposites attract is a commonly
held conception when it comes to interpersonal attraction. However, research in
fact shows that one of the primary principles at play in good relationships is
actually Like attracts like. Great couples tend to have a great deal in
common including their ways of thinking and values or ideals.

Sharing: Individuals in healthy relationships share many
things: they invest time into their relationship, seek out activities to enjoy
together and exchange stories about their past experiences as well as their
dreams for the future. Partners in healthy relationships do not play hard-to-get
with each other’s emotions but instead, share love freely.

Support: In healthy relationships, partners respect, trust
and support each other whole-heartedly. They find in their relationship a safe
space to share their hopes and fears. A truly secure partner would encourage
their beloved to reach new heights and provide unconditional support during
challenging times.

Space: Every good relationship has space to breathe and
thrive as individuals while also being part of a we and us.Partners
respect each other’s privacy and personal space. Knowing what the boundaries
are and maintaining them are a good way to prevent co-dependency and fosters
independence among couples.

Acceptance: No good relationship thrives well on criticism
and degrading behavior. Rather, partners in healthy relationships accept each
other without trying to change, mold or manipulate them into being different
people. There are wholehearted acceptance and affection, not conditional on
meeting unrealistic standards.

Good relationships can have multiple variations with some
couples like more adventure while others prefer a comfortable pattern. Some
tend to be more passionate, while others may be of a calmer nature. But this
much is clear: every relationship needs a conducive environment to thrive in, a
heart filled with love, and a safe space in one’s partner to come home to.