Sometimes it’s hard to take an objective look at your relationship with your partner. So how can you know if your relationship is truly healthy?
When a relationship is healthy
We tend to compare our relationships – and our partners – with other people we know. Are we doing better or worse than those around us, we might ask.
What if that’s not the best way to evaluate your relationship with your partner? Most people wouldn’t guess this, but research shows 72% of marriages actually last a lifetime.1 And 80% of couples say they are happy or very happy with their spouse.2 How can you build a relationship that brings a lifetime of happiness, even when life is tough?
In a strong and healthy relationship, you’ll find partners who:
- choose to love and support each other
- give each other room to grow
- help each other achieve their goals
- encourage each other through difficult situations.
Remember, it’s just as important to be a good partner as to have a good partner. Many relationships can improve when both people decide to prioritize each other and learn healthy communication skills. If you believe your relationship could improve in one of these areas, why not reach out to someone you trust?
When a relationship is unhealthy
People often stay in unhealthy relationships because they feel they really love the other person and they hope things will change for the better. If your partner is unwilling to get outside help or wants you to keep problems in your relationship secret, that could be a sign they don’t really want to change.
Remember, someone who loves you will treat you with respect, kindness, and patience. They will be honest with you and value your thoughts and feelings. And, of course, they won’t be violent or force sex on you.
When a relationship faces an unplanned pregnancy
Even when taking all the right measures to prevent pregnancy, sometimes couples find themselves facing an unplanned pregnancy.
When facing a pregnancy decision, our relationships can have a big impact. Sometimes a woman feels pressure from her partner to choose a certain option. Other times, she may feel very alone, carrying the weight of the decision without much input from her partner. In a healthy relationship, two people approach this type of difficult situation together, being honest with each other about their feelings and working together to make the best decision.
If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy and need some help to understand your options, Jewel Women’s Center can help. We offer no-cost pregnancy options consultations that include a lab-quality pregnancy test, limited ultrasound (if the test is positive), and STI testing. Our highly trained staff can answer your medical questions and give you information on all your options. Contact us today for your no-cost appointment.
REFERENCES
1. Kreider, R. M., & Ellis, R. (2011). Number, timing, and duration of marriages and divorces: 2009. Current Population Reports, 70-125. Retrieved from http://www.census.gov/prod/2011pubs/p70-125.pdf (Accessed November 5, 2015.)
2. Based on analysis of numerous studies,, authors estimate a median 80% happiness rate. Feldhahn, S. C., & Whitehead, T. (2014). Happily ever after. InThe good news about marriage: Debunking discouraging myths about marriage and divorce (pp. 50,61). Colorado Springs, CO: Multnomah.