Characteristics of a Healthy Relationship

In any healthy relationship, each person is allowed and encouraged to be an individual. Both people are empowered to grow independently of each other and as a couple or as friends.

Characteristics of a healthy relationship include:

• Communication
• Trust
• Respect
• Freedom
• Encouragement
• Support of each other’s efforts
• Boundaries
• Cooperation
• Compromise
• Being considerate

Sharing and Listening

Relationships take work. For a friendship, romance or other relationship to be healthy, you need to be conscious of your feelings – and how to communicate them.

Do you feel you can share your feelings with the other person? Although you may not feel comfortable sharing everything, it’s important that you feel free to share at least some feelings, difficulties and successes.

How do you react when the other person comes to you with this sort of information? Thinking about what level of support you get and give in your relationship can help you evaluate its quality and open up discussion.

To better support your partner or friend:

• Try to listen in a nonjudgmental manner.
• Avoid giving advice unless asked.
• Keep anything the other person said in confidence.

If you think you’re in an unhealthy relationship, work on communication between you and your partner. If you’re in an abusive relationship, get help now by calling the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233.

Last reviewed: October 2019