Characteristics of Healthy Relationships
To have overall holistic well being, it is important to have well being in the Relational dimension. How many of the following attitudes and behaviors are present in your relationships?
- Communication is open and spontaneous (including listening)
- Rules/boundaries are clear and explicit, yet allow flexibility
- Individuality, freedom and personal identity is enhanced
- Each enjoys doing things for self, as well as for the other person
- Play, humor and having fun together are commonplace
- Acceptance of self and other (for real selves)
- Assertiveness: feelings and needs are expressed
- Humility: able to let go of need to “be right”
- Self-confidence and security in own worth
- Conflict is faced directly and resolved
- Openness to constructive feedback
- Each is trustful of the other
- Balance of giving and receiving
- Negotiations are fair and democratic
- Tolerance and forgiveness of self and the other person
- Mistakes are accepted and learned from
- Willingness to take risks and be vulnerable
- Other meaningful relationships and interests exist
- Each can enjoy being alone and privacy is respected
- Continuity and consistency is present in the commitment
- Balance of oneness (closeness) and separation for each other
- Responsibility for own behaviors and happiness (not blaming the other person)
Want to learn more? Here's a great video on what makes for a good life based on the longest happiness study ever conducted. Spoiler alert: the answer has to do with the quality of your relationships!
We Can Help
VITAL WorkLife is a valuable resource to help you and your family achieve a healthy, balanced lifestyle. If you need additional assistance, please give us a call so we can connect you with a counselor or peer coach who understands and can help you address your questions. Contact us anytime, day or night for the support you and your loved ones need:
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) members call 800.383.1908 or access resources through your VITAL WorkLife App
- Physician/Provider Well Being Resources members call 877.731.3949 or access resources through your VITAL WorkLife App
