Alright, people. Let’s talk about relationships. No, I’m not talking about that guy you’re kinda-maybe-seeing-but-let’s-not-put-a-label-on-it-right-now. I don’t know what that is, but let’s be honest with ourselves, that’s not a healthy relationship.
It seems in the age of Tinder we prefer like, any guy over 6 feet in lieu of the core values that help us build a good, healthy personal relationships. And healthy relationships are important – not only does it remove unnecessary anxiety from your life (caused by Zack not texting you back for the past 24 hours) – but being in a healthy relationship helps people live longer, cope with stress better and even feel richer (say what?).
So let’s talk about what makes up a healthy relationship … featuring Beyoncé, because WHY NOT.
1. You are still independent as hell.
First and foremost, you accept yourself and your individuality. You know how to take care of yourself (and #treatyoself) and constantly work to be the best you that you can be. You have a high self-worth *both* inside and outside of your relationship.
You know you don’t need no man (or woman), but you love having him or her in your life because you know that you’re a better person for it.
2. You maintain good relationships with your friends and family.
Everyone has “that friend” who disappears from the face of the earth whenever he or she is in a relationship. Everyone also has that friend who has “that boyfriend” (or “that girlfriend”) who no one likes. If you can’t bring bae around your family or friends, deep down you know there’s a reason for it.
3. You take interest in one another’s activities, but you still have your own individual hobbies.
Steve, I really like you, but I think it’s weird that you insist on coming to my book club … and my improv class … and my tennis league on Monday nights …
It’s nice to share some interests and hobbies, but there’s no need to force it if you really aren’t that into NASCAR.
4. You resolve conflict fairly.
Fights happen. In a healthy relationship, fights will resolve (… eventually) through communication and respect. Couples in healthy relationships fight fairly and stick to the topic or issue at hand instead of rehashing old issues or bringing in new topics to the argument.
5. You don’t feel any pressure to change who you are as a person
This includes but is not limited to: how you dress, how you behave, what you value and what your boundaries are.
6. You’re with someone you can be goofy around
Happy couples are weird couples. Find someone you can be your true, weirdo self around. Let your freak flag fly. Trust me, life is much more fun that way.
7. You have a mutual respect, trust, and support for each other
You know that you become most like the people you surround yourself with, so you aren’t going to settle for anything less than someone you respect, support and trust, right? Right.
