522: What Healthy Relationships Actually Look Like

In this episode, I'm talking about what a healthy relationship actually looks like.

After hearing from so many people about narcissism, gaslighting, and unhealthy relationship patterns, I wanted to talk about the other side: how do we know when a relationship is healthy? Whether it is with a partner, parent, sibling, friend, child, or anyone else in your life, healthy relationships have certain qualities that help us feel safe, respected, heard, and connected.

I share eight qualities of healthy relationships, including mutual respect, healthy apologies, enjoying each other's company, respecting boundaries, thoughtfulness, honoring each other's needs, listening with presence, and having open, honest communication.

I also talk about why communication is one of the most important parts of a healthy relationship. So many of us expect others to know what we feel or need, but it is our job to share our reality. When we speak from "I," express what is happening inside of us, and ask for what we need without blame or shame, relationships can begin to change.

• Healthy relationships are built on mutual respect, even when two people do not agree
• A healthy apology means owning the hurt we caused, even if it was unintentional
• Enjoying someone's company, feeling relaxed around them, and looking forward to seeing them are signs of a healthy connection
• Respectful boundaries are essential in healthy relationships
• Thoughtfulness does not have to be complicated. It can be as simple as checking in, offering kind words, or remembering what someone needs
• People in healthy relationships want to know and honor each other's needs
• Listening with presence helps the other person feel seen, heard, and valued
• Open and honest communication is one of the most important qualities of a healthy relationship
• Using "I" statements helps us share our reality without blaming or putting the other person on defense
• Healthy relationships require regular check-ins, intentional connection, and a willingness to talk about what is really going on

MORE MICHELLE CHALFANT

Website: https://www.michellechalfant.com

Membership: The Adult Chair® Collective https://www.michellechalfant.com/collective

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themichellechalfant

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheMichelleChalfant

The Adult Chair® Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theadultchair

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Michellechalfant