6 Signs Your Relationship is Strong... and 6 Signs it's not

6 Signs Your Relationship is Strong... and 6 Signs it's not

Rescue your relationship by building positives and ditching negatives

Whether you’re in the first flush or romance or if you've been together for years - every relationship needs nurturing to make it a positive force in your life. Romantic relationships can be the best thing that ever happened for you - or they can be the worst. Here you can discover how to strengthen the positives and remove the negative aspects of your relationship.

The Good Stuff

These are the aspects you want to nurture within your relationship.

*You have meaningful communication

Sounds basic but many couples forget how to talk meaningfully to one another. Communicating your thoughts, feelings, hopes and fears (as oppose to whose turn it is to do the washing up) will keep your relationship alive. Talk about the issues that are important to you; talk about something you enjoyed during your day; share your fears and hopes. Keep sharing your big ideas. Communicating in this way will remind you of what attracted you to your partner in the beginning.

*You trust your partner

Your partner has proved by his/her words and deeds that s/he always has your best interests at heart and will make the best decisions for your relationship and your family. This is the true meaning of trust within a relationship. Of course, fidelity is part of this, too.

*You can express yourself

You can be yourself around your partner. This means that you can express your opinions freely and that you are able to say 'no' to anything you don't want to do without fearing how your partner will react. You don't have to pretend to be somebody you're not.

*You can disagree constructively

No couple will agree on everything, the key is knowing how to have a constructive disagreement rather that a shouting match. Listen to your partner's point of view and be sure they listen to yours. Try to see their point of view and vice versa. Don't use conflicts as a chance to score points; treat them as a chance to learn how you can both compromise to make you both happy. Never say things to purposely hurt your partner. Work together to solve a contentious issue - your relationship will become stronger if you can do this.

*You laugh together

A healthy relationship is full of laughter and love. You should make your partner feel happy and vice versa. If your relationship does not make you happy, perhaps it's time to leave?

*You show love

An act of kindness by your partner is worth a million 'I love you' declarations. Your relationship should consist of many acts of kindness every time you are together. These are not grand or showy romantic deeds but small things, like bringing you a cup of tea in the morning, preparing a meal, recording your favourite TV show or giving you a hug.

The Bad Stuff

If this sounds like your relationship, it's time to make a change or perhaps move on

*You're needy

Your partner cannot 'complete you' you are already complete. Your happiness is in your own hands. Find out what makes you happy in life as an individual then try to realise your dream.

*You bear a grudge

If one partner has emotionally hurt the other, then you need to completely forgive and move forward, or end the relationship. Carrying around anger is self destructive. Release the hurt or let go of your partner.

*You don't listen

Stop listening to your partner and your relationship will crumble. Nodding and smiling is not good enough. Think about what they are saying and offer a constructive opinion. Don't interrupt them while they are speaking.

*You play mind games

Mind games will eventually break your relationship. It might seem fun at first but doing this is a sign you are not compatible. Say what you mean clearly to your partner and if you don't understand what they want - ask them.

*You compete with your partner

If you feel jealous of your partner's success, or if they try to hold you back - this issue needs immediate attention. Be happy for your partner's successes and they should encourage your endeavours. A healthy relationship is a nurturing relationship where both partners have room to grow.

*Your relationship is stressful

If you often feel anxious or stressed around your partner, this is not healthy. You should feel safe with your partner at all times: physically and emotionally. If you do not feel safe this is not a healthy relationship. You should find comfort, relaxation and peace in your relationship.