Top tips for building a healthy relationship

Writing an article such as this is somewhat problematic, as it suggests that there is a perfect recipe for a healthy relationship; ‘just do what I say, and you’ll have the best relationship in no time!’ I prefer not to ascribe myself towards notions like this because one set of rules may be successful for one couple, and unsuccessful for another.

Furthermore, the definition of a ‘healthy relationship’ is a tricky one. There is no singular explanation of such a phrase purely because it depends on what someone interprets as ‘healthy’ in a relationship. I guess that’s my first point. The sooner you realise that everybody is different and therefore investigate such differences within your partner, the better your understanding of each other’s versions of ‘healthy relationship’ will be.  

The aim should be to learn as much as you can about your partner. I’m not talking about what colour eyes they have, or when their birthday is (although you may benefit from not screwing that date up). I’m talking about learning what their inner child yearns for; learning how they argue and more importantly, how they heal from an argument. I think this is the reason as to why so many relationships fail. People are uncapable of accepting the beauty of difference and refuse to ask those challenging questions about someone’s soul. Resign yourself to the fact that a relationship is hard work and only enter into one when you have the time to invest in it.

The best relationships accept that it requires work. Furthermore, they understand that, as with most things in life, there are highs and lows. You have to commit to choose each other even when you’re experiencing the lows – I’m explaining the classic 'I don’t like you right now, but I will always love you' type of mindset.

This is my final point; always choose each other and you’ll be ok.