Green Flags in Healthy Relationships

Valentine's Day is an excellent opportunity to reflect on what makes a relationship truly healthy and enduring. In any relationship, it helps to know what to do if toxic behaviours emerge, but it’s equally important to pay attention to the green flags to limit unnecessary worry or doubt.

We asked Ana Silvestri, Counselling Psychologist at Psych Health, what a healthy relationship means to her. “A healthy relationship strives to balance autonomy with a deep sense of connection, holding space for mystery and intimacy.” 

So let’s shift our focus from the often discussed ‘red flags’ (such as aggression or narcissism) to the positive indicators, or 'green flags', that signal a healthy partnership.
 

Communication 

Open and honest communication is a significant positive indicator in a relationship. Despite the short-term discomfort, having difficult conversations with kindness and honesty will strengthen your relationship. Vulnerability often suggests a readiness to enhance your emotional intimacy. It may also reflect that you've created an environment where they your partner feels safe and secure enough to open up.

Trust

Trust is the unwavering confidence in your partner's integrity and the assurance that they have your best interests at heart. Reliability goes hand in hand with trust; knowing that your partner will do what they say they will do provides a sense of security and stability that is priceless.

Boundaries

Understanding and honouring each other's personal boundaries is another green flag. Whether it's about physical space, sexual boundaries, time alone or emotional limits, respecting boundaries is a testament to the consideration and empathy present in a relationship. It signifies a partnership where both individuals are seen and valued for who they are.

Supportive of Individual Growth

We all have room to grow and learn. In a healthy relationship, each person should feel they can pursue their goals and interests, knowing they have their partner's support. This nurturing of individual aspirations is crucial for a balanced and fulfilling relationship.

Feeling Good

When you naturally feel good around your partner, it's indicative of a harmonious connection where comfort and happiness are mutual. This sense of wellbeing is not just about enjoying the highs of life together; it's also about feeling a deep sense of peace and contentment in their company, even during quiet or mundane moments. 

Healthy Conflict Resolution

Disagreements are natural, but it's how they're handled that matters. Approaching conflicts with the intent to resolve them constructively, without resorting to hurtful language or actions shows maturity and commitment to the relationship's health. Additionally, when a partner takes ownership of their actions, it demonstrates mutual respect and their value for your comfort, safety and security.
 

Green flags of a healthy relationship are all about balance, respect, trust and joy. These positive indicators are the nourishing elements that enable love to grow and blossom. By recognising and nurturing these aspects, couples can ensure their relationship remains strong, supportive and enriching, not just on Valentine's Day but all year round.