We all want healthy, happy relationships — but where do we start? Most of us were never taught what a healthy relationship truly looks like.

Sometimes it can be hard to keep relationships as strong as they were at the beginning. The truth is, you have to put in time and effort to keep a relationship strong. Here are some tips to help strengthen your relationship:

5 ways to keep your relationship strong and healthy

Invest time into loving yourself first. Having a solid sense of self and loving yourself is one of the most important things you can do before entering into a new relationship. Your new partner should compliment you, not complete you.
Spend intentional time together (and apart). While staying in together and watching a movie can be fun, it shouldn’t be all there is to your relationship. Try spending time getting to know your partner on a deeper level. On the flip side, it’s not healthy to spend 100% of your time with a partner. Spending time apart and maintaining independence can actually help keep your relationship strong and healthy.
Respect, respect, respect. Mutual respect is important to all relationships, but it’s absolutely essential to romantic relationships. Having mutual respect in a relationship increases feelings of trust and security for all parties. Set aside some time to talk to your partner about respect — relationships can’t be healthy without it.
Set some healthy boundaries. Boundaries are essential to maintaining a strong, healthy relationship. Healthy boundaries give each party in a relationship a sense of security and respect. When you’re setting boundaries, make sure that they’re respectful, intentional, healthy and specific.
Be willing to communicate and speak up for your needs. Being willing to speak up for yourself and advocate for your own needs can be a tricky skill to learn, but it’s essential. We can’t assume that our partner knows what we want and need 100% of the time. If you need something from your partner, be willing to ask for it.

You’ve worked too hard to be unhappy

Life is complicated and messy. When it comes to mental health, we believe there’s no one-size-fits all. At Halcyon Therapy Group, we understand just how important you and your unique situation and perspectives are. That’s why we offer a suite of services tailored specifically to you and your needs. You deserve better, and we are here to help. Book your complimentary consultation today and start living the life you’ve always dreamed of.