6. How's Your Relationship?

Is your marriage or relationship healthy? Anxiety about a relationship can lead to jealousy and trust issues. Here’s a short checklist of the ingredients that make up a healthy relationship.

COMMUNICATION – You can talk openly with each other. You use active listening skills. You don’t interrupt. You can discuss problems without casting blame or criticizing each other. You don’t always agree about things, but you find ways to make that work without getting into heated arguments.

EQUAL – You are both important to this relationship and to each other. You hold each other to the same standards. You encourage each other’s independence and goals.

HONEST – You are both honest with each other. You don’t lie or secretly sneak around. You can trust your partner and your partner can trust you.

PERSONAL SPACE – You enjoy doing things just for you. A healthy relationship does not mean that you are always having to do everything together. You both can take time to do the things you enjoy separately. You show respect to each other’s personal for space. However, you don't use personal space as an excuse to avoid your partner.

RESPECTFUL – You value each other’s differences and opinions. You let your partner know that you care about them. You say “I Love You” out loud and you mean it. You are also able to hear your partner when they suggest that there may be a problem.

How does your relationship measure up? Are you having trouble with any of these ingredients?