6 Key Differences Between Healthy and Toxic Relationships

How do you know when you are in a healthy relationship? Quite simply, when you are in the ‘right’ or healthy relationship, you feel like a better version of yourself. Your partner complements your life in just the right way. You feel valued and respected at all times. When you are in a healthy relationship, you can be yourself and if there is any difference in opinion, you can discuss it openly.

What are the signs that you’re in the right relationship? Below are 6 key differences between healthy and toxic relationships.

1. You are free to pursue your hobbies and maintain friendships.

Nothing about you should change drastically because of your new relationship. Your partner should understand that pursuing outside interests is key to a healthy relationship. It’s a chance to have some ‘me’ time. If you do not get that time it can lead to sacrificing one’s identity. It’s a healthy habit to have some space to yourself.

2. When you are around your partner you are yourself

Via Giphy

In a healthy relationship, our demeanour, personality and general interaction are the same regardless who’s there. If you act differently when your partner is next to you, it’s not a good sign.

3. Power is relatively equal

In a healthy relationship, power and house chores are distributed evenly. You respect each other’s work commitments and help clean up. More important, both of you should have equal input in any decision making in the relationship.

4. You can pursue your dreams

If your partner consistently plays down your dreams, you may feel like you are not supported or understood. Which in the long run will make the relationship feel less like a partnership. Talk about your dreams and aspirations earlier in the relationship.

5. You celebrate your differences

In a toxic relationship, differences are seen as a threat to the relationship. Differences in interests, opinions are to be celebrated. Of course, difference in values may be a problem but any other difference is what will make the relationship interesting.

6. You can tell your partner when they hurt you

Arguments will happen and they aren’t necessarily a bad thing. Conflict is natural and is a sign that you can communicate openly. In a healthy relationship, you should be able to talk/discuss things that hurt you or that upset you. Talking about it leads to partners feeling they are valued, heard and understood. Not being able to discuss a misunderstanding will lead to resentment and eventually drifting you further away from each other.

H/T HuffingtonPost

Featured photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash