Maintaining a healthy relationship requires a certain level of vulnerability and insight to reach the depths that make a relationship meaningful, and in turn, healthy. Both of you need to be able to navigate your personal history and experiences and build a healthy relationship together.

These eight characteristics of a healthy relationship are the criteria for establishing and maintaining relationships that can be happy and grow in. In order to establish a healthy relationship, communication is the single biggest contributor in establishing a healthy relationship.

1.Trust

When a person has been in previous relationships, there will always be some scars that remain. Sometimes, we know these are and other times, these can attract our attention through triggers when our new partner acts or responds in ways that reminds us of past or past events. Open communication about trust issues is very helpful to eliminate trust issues, because ultimately obtaining and maintaining trust is the foundation for establishing healthy relationships.

2.Openness and Honesty

The ability to openly discuss various topics, from one's feelings to vulnerabilities, insecurities to hope and dreams, is the key to building a healthy relationship. Generally, openness and honesty develops from the depths of trust that both of you can achieve. Similarly, open communication plays a vital role. The ability to be vulnerable and maintain the vulnerability of your partner opens the door to a honest relationship.

3.Flexibility and Compromise

The art of compromise ensure that both of you are willing and able to acknowledge each other's worldview. Knowing that you can flexibly accommodate your other important things means that both parties are open to the possibility of exploring newness. Being flexible can open up a whole new dimension to your relationship. Instead of your traditional pizza night together, you might start cooking a storm together or a regular Sunday walk in the park becomes an opportunity to explore new neighbourhood.

4.Boundaries and Privacy

Some things are yours and yours only. A healthy relationship means maintaining your personality in the context of a shared relationship. You fell in love with one another as individuals, and you characteristics and values are the sum of who you are. Boundaries are important to maintain. They encompass things like maintaining your friendships and family relationships, your hobbies and your personality.

5.Respect and Support

Mutual respect can be further developed from the ability to respect boundaries and privacy. It's evident in how you interact and treat one another. Support means knowing your significant other can give you encouragement and support, allowing you feel safe and secure in your relationship and in interactions with the world.

6.Shared Values

Knowing that your worlds intersect around your shared values can provide great comfort and security. Shared values can lead to the sharing of goals, aspirations and dreams that shape your future lives. Examples of values include shared views with regard to money, religion or spirit, attitudes towards family and friends, and a shared tolerance and understanding of the world.

7.Intimacy

All healthy relationships need intimacy as the lining that feathers the nest. This intimacy is not only physical intimacy, but also emotional intimacy. Emotional intimacy comes from shared lives, becoming the best friend, sharing dreams, and most importantly, love each other and express that love.

If you can cultivate these characteristics of a healthy relationship in your own relationship, you will soon be able to create lasting love and happiness together.