FFY: The Pillars of a Healthy Relationship

As a former foster youth, it can be hard to know what a healthy relationship looks like if you were never or rarely exposed to one as a child. You do not have to be embarrassed by this, instead, you can use this as an opportunity to learn and grow. 

A healthy relationship is built on the foundation of trust, respect, and communication. These three pillars are the key to any successful relationship – whether it is a romantic partnership or a friendship. We’re going to unpack each of these areas and give some tips for nurturing them in your relationships. 

Trust is essential in any relationship because it allows you to feel safe and secure, knowing that your partner has your best interests at heart. Trust also allows you to be vulnerable without fear of judgment or criticism. To build trust in your relationships, it’s important to be honest with each other and follow through on promises you make. It’s also important to find ways to show that you value the relationship by spending quality time together and creating meaningful memories. 

Respect is another important aspect of any healthy relationship. Respect means valuing each other’s opinions, listening without judgment, showing empathy, and understanding when someone needs space. When respect exists in a relationship, both partners can express their true selves openly and honestly without fear of being judged or rejected. To nurture respect within a relationship, it’s important to take responsibility for mistakes instead of pointing fingers or making excuses. It’s also helpful to practice active listening by giving your full attention when someone speaks, even if you don’t agree with what they have to say. 
  
Communication is key for maintaining healthy relationships because it allows both partners to understand each other better and resolve conflicts peacefully. Good communication involves finding the right balance between talking about yourself and actively listening to the other person without interruption or distraction. To improve communication within relationships, try using “I statements” like “I feel…” rather than accusatory language like “You always…” This helps keep conversations productive instead of argumentative while allowing both partners an equal voice in expressing themselves. 
  

Relationships require effort from both parties in order to be successful and fulfilling over time – but if you focus on building trust, respect, and strong communication skills within your relationships, chances are they will stand the test of time! If you need help getting started on this journey towards healthier relationships, talking with an experienced therapist can be an excellent way to gain insight into how these principles apply specifically to your life and learn how best to implement them into your own partnerships!
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