“Đèn xanh” cho một mối quan hệ “Healthy và Balance”

With the development of the flat world, youngsters also spend more time taking care of their mental health. The key to a stable mental state is having good relationships. Currently, the definitions of "healthy" and "toxic" relationships are receiving more attention from the young. In this article, 𝐓𝐄𝐃𝐱𝐇𝐀𝐍𝐔 will share with you the "green lights" for a healthy relationship and how to maintain it.

1. What is a healthy relationship?

A healthy relationship is where both partners have a balance of power. Both of you can freely make decisions in this relationship without fear of punishment or retaliation. When the relationship ends, both sides will keep respect and not stubbornly stalk the other.

2. “Greenlights” in a healthy relationship?

These signs are divided into two types: physique and mentality. Physically, they respect the decisions you make about your appearance, don't create an inferiority complex about your appearance, and encourage you to be confident with your inherent beauty or make a positive effort to reinforce it. They do not force or put pressure on you to change your appearance or do any physical actions that make you feel uncomfortable. Regarding mentality, both sides respect each other's private space, not asking to spend time with each other all the time, but supporting the other half to socialize with other relationships or spend time alone. The other partner respects your feelings, opinions and decisions, they openly talk and mediate when they have disagreements and vice versa. In this relationship, both sides feel comfortable expressing their views and concerns. In short, you feel safe, trusted, and respected when around your partner.

3. How to foster a healthy relationship?

According to New York State n.d., there are four key elements that build a healthy relationship: Boundaries, Communication, Trust, and Consent.

First, you and your partner should communicate clearly and candidly about your personal boundaries, or in other words, what you want and don't want in this relationship. These boundaries are not limited in scope, including physical, mental, sexual, social, material, and spiritual boundaries. For example, if you feel it's fairer to split the bill between the two of you, share it openly. In case the other person intentionally crosses this line, warn them directly that you are uncomfortable and calmly talk to come up with a common solution.

Second, communication is an integral part of any relationship. Open, honest and respectful communication is key to this. Be clear and honest with your feelings and opinions when around them. In return, listen silently and respectfully when the other person is talking. In the digital age, texting and exchanging messages online is a common thing. However, this will inadvertently make the online conversation "unreal" and lose the direct connection between people. So, try to talk about important announcements through face-to-face meetings in places where you both feel comfortable and calm. If you can't respond to the message immediately, let them know, avoid letting the other party have to wait for a response to waste both parties' time.

Next, trust is a key factor, a solid foundation for sustainable and balanced relationships. However, to gain trust will take a lot of time, be very patient and take each step slowly but surely. Can you be someone your partner trusts and is always there when they need it most? If so, you have already laid the first brick in this foundation. Furthermore, respecting healthy personal boundaries is also an important step in building trust. Ultimately, being honest when talking to and dealing with them builds stronger trust.

Last but not least, consent. Do you feel completely comfortable when they do A, say B to you and vice versa? For example, if you don't feel comfortable having sex before marriage, talk to your partner before they go any further. Ask for approval, such as “Would you feel comfortable if I did/say ___?”.

After all, either “green lights” or “red flags” require trust and respect. Openly sharing your concerns and opinions would help tighten the relationships. Feel free to share your stories or lessons about maintaining relationships with 𝐓𝐄𝐃𝐱𝐇𝐀𝐍𝐔 in the comment section!