Dr. David Hawkins, Director of The Marriage Recovery Center, talks about what a healthy relationship looks like, what you should expect and in future videos, what goes wrong and how to fix it.
What Does a Healthy Relationship Look Like?
In today’s society, where love and relationships can often be challenging, it’s crucial to understand what a healthy relationship entails. We will explore the dynamics of love relationships, what they should ideally look like, and the factors that can lead them astray.
Created for Intimacy
At the core of a healthy relationship lies intimacy—a deep emotional connection that fosters trust, safety, and joy. When our love relationships are going well, we feel a sense of vibrancy and connection. Conversely, when things go awry, we often find ourselves feeling lost and confused about what causes the relationship to suffer.
A healthy relationship is marked by functionality. It means getting along with our partner, effectively communicating concerns, and being willing to listen and be heard. Conflict is present but intermittent, with long periods of healthy connection. In such relationships, we feel safe, trust our partner, and know they have our best interests at heart. These qualities are crucial for fostering an environment where we can openly address and work through our problems together.
In a healthy relationship, there is a sense of enjoyment and mutual appreciation. We genuinely like being with our partner, and they feel the same way about us. Conflict is minimized because we have confidence that we can work through any issues that arise. We cultivate a healthy attachment, attending to and attuning ourselves to one another. This attachment allows us to be fully ourselves, transparent and loved for who we are.
Moreover, healthy relationships prioritize respecting each other’s individuality. We understand our boundaries and value them, recognizing where we begin and end, as well as where our partner begins and ends. Interactions are characterized by a connectedness that respects and honors these boundaries.
In summary, healthy relationships are functional, enjoyable, and vibrant. They prioritize mutual joy, respect, and individuality. Such relationships minimize destructive behaviors and embrace the sacred space of intimacy, where both partners can be transparent, fully themselves, and unashamed.
To ensure a healthy relationship, it is important to ask yourself some key questions. Do you and your partner enjoy each other’s company? Are you genuinely concerned for each other’s well-being? Do you honor and respect each other’s boundaries and individuality? Are you intentional about creating time and space to appreciate each other? And crucially, during times of conflict, are you able to empathize, actively listen, and validate each other’s experiences? Do you take responsibility for your actions and apologize when needed?
By embodying these qualities, you can cultivate a healthy, loving, and vibrant connection. In the next video of this series, we will delve into the factors that can create a hurtful relationship. Until then, remember that a healthy relationship is essential for you to be fully yourself and fully alive.
To learn how we can help, reach out to us at (206) 219-0145 or info@marriagerecoverycenter.com to speak with a Client Care Specialist
Also read: How to Treat Narcissism in 3 Simple Steps
About Dr. Hawkins:
The internet is inundated with hyperbole and misinformation about narcissism, leaving many people confused and hopeless. Get the facts on narcissism and emotional abuse from someone who has been researching, writing about and treating narcissism and emotional abuse for over a decade.
Dr. Hawkins is a best-selling author and clinical psychologist with over three decades of experience helping people break unhealthy patterns and build healthier relationships.
He is the founder and director of the Marriage Recovery Center and the Emotional Abuse Institute which offers education, training and counseling for people who want to break free of, and heal from, emotional abuse. Whether the perpetrator of the abuse is your spouse, partner, parent, boss, friend or family member, we offer practical advice for anyone trapped in a toxic, destructive relationship.
In addition to narcissism & emotional abuse, you’ll learn about the lesser known forms of abuse, including covert abuse, reactive abuse, spiritual abuse, secondary abuse, relationship trauma and much more.
