What are 4 signs of a healthy relationship ecosystem?
Everyone deserves to be in a happy, healthy relationship. But how do you know what a healthy relationship feels like? Or how healthy relationships work? In this article I have created a healthy relationship checklist that has 4 signs of a healthy relationship ecosystem.
Relationship Ecosystem
Let’s first define what a relationship ecosystem is before we get into signs of a healthy relationship. I define a relationship ecosystem as the metaphorical container that you and your partner enter that houses your relationship. When you both agree to enter a relationship you take your experiences, knowledge and baggage from the past as you go into this ecosystem together.
Just like in a literal ecosystem there are different components working together and interacting to make the system function. The same is said for the relationship ecosystem. You and your partner are working together using the tools or baggage that you brought with you to co-create and maintain the relationship ecosystem.
When you and your partner use or learn tools and interact in a positive way the relationship ecosystem can flourish. On the other hand, if you and your partner don’t have the tool or have unhealed baggage and interact poorly the relationship ecosystem can become polluted.
It is good to know the signs of a healthy relationship so you can evaluate the health of your relationship ecosystem.
4 Signs of a Healthy Relationship Ecosystem
Signs of a healthy relationship ecosystem
Communication
The first place to look for signs of a healthy relationship would be communication. Every relationship whether good or bad requires communication. Specifically, it sets the foundation for maintaining a healthy relationship with your partner.
To evaluate if you have healthy communication your relationship ecosystem needs these ingredients: Respect, Active Listening, and Resolution. In a healthy relationship you and your partner will have mutual respect for each other and for what each other has to say. For that reason, you will actively listen to your partner and genuinely care what is being said. Last but not least, you and your partner will have the ability to resolve disagreements quickly and easily.
Trust
The next place to look for signs of a healthy relationship would be Trust. Similar to communication, trust is also a foundational part of maintaining a healthy relationship. Trust can make or break any relationship because it has the power to bring partners closer or sow doubt and division. To evaluate if you have trust in your relationship ecosystem consider the combination of Safety + Reliability + Consistency.
This means to have a healthy relationship you must feel secure with your partner at a base level. And you must know and believe that your partner does not and will not have bad intentions towards you. Equally important is having faith that your partner will do what they say they will do.
Boundaries
Having boundaries is another sign of a healthy relationship. Boundaries can allow you and your partner to shape your relationship into something you are both comfortable with and satisfied with. To evaluate if you have healthy boundaries in your relationship ecosystem consider Wants, Needs and Limitations.
In a healthy relationship both you and your partner are in tune with and communicate your own wants and needs. That means you are able to freely express what feels good for you and what elements would make the relationship enjoyable. On the other hand, you are also able to set limits for what you are willing and not willing to do. When you and your partner are on the same page about these things the relationship ecosystem can feel more in sync and content.
Support
The last sign of a healthy relationship is support. It makes a big difference when you feel like your partner has your back. And it matters when your partner shows you that they care or that they have your best interest in mind. To evaluate if you have support in your relationship ecosystem consider Affection, Intimacy, and Comfort.
In a healthy relationship you and your partner have organic and fluid displays of showing that you care. These displays of affection could fall within the “5 Love Languages” or they could be something unique to your relationship. In addition, you and your partner have a deep and meaningful connection emotionally, physically or more. Equally important for a healthy relationship is feeling comforted by your partner at a base level. This is the act of feeling soothed and consoled.
Conclusion
Everyone deserves to know how a healthy relationship feels but not everyone knows what a healthy relationship looks like. In this article I provided you with the signs of a healthy relationship so that you can evaluate the health of your relationship ecosystem. The 4 signs of a healthy relationship include Communication, Trust, Boundaries and Support. I hope that you and your partner have a better idea of your relationship ecosystem.
If you found this information useful consider starting therapy here at AllWell Therapy.
