Building a healthy and lasting relationship is not possible without commitment and flexibility. Many factors affect the direction toward which a relationship is heading; things you may be doing or not doing can help develop a strong connection with your partner, and so a lasting and healthy relationship, while other things may be pushing your partner away.

A healthy relationship is built on love and respect between the persons involved. Here are a few tips that can help construct a strong relationship with your partner.

Trust

A healthy relationship is a relationship built on trust. If either party feels that they cannot trust the other person in the relationship, then things are probably not heading in the right direction.

Respect

Respecting your partner means that you regard their emotions and needs and desires and fears as important as you regard your own. Mutual respect is a crucial factor in building a healthy and strong relationship.

Accepting Disagreements

People in a relationship are from different backgrounds, so it is only sensible to expect that they will have different opinions and ideas. If you are in a relationship, you need to be able to respectfully accept that your partner may not agree with everything you say or do. Conflict in a relationship is not bad, and both parties in a relationship need to be able to voice their own opinion without fear.

Outside Interests

Believing that your partner can be all you want them to be is unrealistic, so you need to keep your outside interests. Continue pursuing your hobbies and interests and maintain a healthy relationship with your family and friends. Expecting your partner to fulfill all your needs can cause frustration and undue stress in your relationship.

Careful Listening

Being an attentive listener is a great skill for building a healthy relationship. Listening to your partner when they need someone to talk to can help them feel supported and valued.

Empathy

Being able to feel and understand what the other person is going through is an important aspect of constructing a healthy relationship. If the other person knows you are able to understand how they feel and know how they think, you are on the right way to build a healthy relationship.

Communication

Establishing good communication is an important aspect of a relationship. Good communication allows the persons in the relationship to freely, and honestly express their needs, and fears, which helps build a strong relationship.