Characteristics of a Healthy Intimate Relationship

The goal in an intimate relationship is to feel calm, centered, and focused.
     The intimacy needs to be safe, supportive, respectful, non punitive and peaceful.

In a healthy intimate relationship...

• You should feel taken care of, wanted, unconditionally accepted and loved for just existing.
• You feel part of something and not alone in a healthy intimate relationship.
• You experience forgiving and being forgiven with little revenge or reminding of past offences.
• You find yourself giving thanks for your relationship.
• You experience being free to be who you are rather than who you think you need to be for the other.
• There is a sense of directness with plan and order.
• You should be free from the "paralysis of analysis" the need to analyze ever minute detail of what goes on in it.
• The relationship has its priorities in order, with people's feelings and process of the relationship coming before things and money.
• Encourages your personal growth and supports your individuality.
• This relationship does not result in you or your relationship partner becoming emotionally, physically, or intellectually dependent on one another.

....want more?  Go to http://www.coping.org/ and check out the Tools for Coping Series which will assist you and your relationship partner on achieving healthy boundaries. :)