Factors in a Healthy Relationship

Closeness

Partners are caring and loyal to each other
Trust each other
Share your feelings
Each partner supporting the other during illness or stressful times

Shared Goals and Beliefs

Share beliefs and values
Recognize and respect differences in each other

Shared Experiences

Share common interests and friends/acquaintances
Talk about your experiences and accept and respect each other’s individual interests

Communication

Be honest with each other
Listen to each other

Respect

Use respectful language and not act in ways that demean you partner
Understand each other’s wishes and feelings
Be ready to compromise - to meet each other halfway

Humor

Enjoy being together with each other and can laugh together

Affection

Show each other you care
Show each other affection in many ways