Often times we hear a lot about what is bad in relationships, or the so-called red flags. But what is important to have in relationships that are bound to last? This article will explore the positive signals, or green flags, to look for that tell us that we are in a healthy relationship.
What Are Green Flags?
While it’s important to notice any signs of toxic behaviour in someone you are dating (like manipulation, gaslighting and secretive behaviours), it’s also important to pay attention to the good quality aspects of the relationship.
Here are five green flags that indicate your relationship is on the right track.
Trusting Each Other
Trust is an integral component of a healthy romantic relationship. Having trust in your partner is a vital green flag. You can rely on this person by not only sharing information about your daily life with them, but by sharing your vulnerabilities and desires with them, too. This level of trust fosters a relationship that is open, honest, and mutually caring.
Maintaining Boundaries
Communicating and honouring each other’s boundaries are important because they help define who you are, determine what behaviours are acceptable and not acceptable to you, and teach other people how to treat you. Because of the mutual respect you have for one another, you’re not jealous if your partner goes out with a friend. Nor is your partner threatened when you need your alone time.
Communicating boundaries, needs, desires and clarity in a relationship and respecting the boundaries of others and your own is a green flag in relationships.
Good Communication
If you do not communicate what you want, you may not get it. You show respect for one another when you are open, honest, and clear about what you have the capacity for, what you don’t, and what you would like to receive for support and care.
If your partner is usually on the phone when you speak, they are not paying attention. But if your partner always makes eye contact and gives you attention when you try to communicate, that’s a sign of engagement and respect.
During a conversation, if they acknowledge and accept your feelings and are being empathetic, they are also at the same time offering you emotional validation because in healthy relationships, both parties must feel accepted and feel as though their private thoughts and feelings matter.
Enjoy Spending Time With Each Other
Every normal relationship has its ups and downs. If you are compatible and get along well most of the time it is a green flag. When you enjoy spending time together with your partner doing a variety of things (and even nothing) or maybe you can’t wait to hug your partner or kiss them again it shows you feel so connected to them.
Feeling close can come from affection and various forms of intimacy and it means you are likely in a healthy and rewarding partnership that can result in long-term happiness.
Being Grateful For Each Other
Appreciating your significant other strengthens intimate bonds in the relationship.
When your partner feels appreciated, they in turn care about your needs, develop feelings of increased gratitude towards you and are most likely to be more loyal to the relationship over the long term.
Gratitude makes you happier, too. If you are showing the same appreciation and gratitude for your partner that you expect from them, both of you will reap the long-lasting benefits.
