Having a stable and healthy romantic relationship is essential for physical and mental well-being. Proof of this is that hundreds of researchers have studied how hormones and neurotransmitters act when choosing a partner. Learn some keys to strengthening this bond.
For specialists, love is the fundamental piece of a relationship. The psychologist and therapist Anna Ferre Gimenez He believes that, in addition to this feeling, respect is also necessary. Of course, in a healthy relationship there is room for differences and arguments, as well as a certain degree of temporary conflict, but there should never be room for disrespecting the other person.
In a healthy love relationship, it is important to understand that it is built over time and that it goes through different phases, says Dr. Ferre. “Any change of stage is usually a critical moment since, on the one hand, there are the needs of each of the parties and, on the other, the needs of the couple as a whole,” the expert points out.
While love and respect are important foundations, freedom operates on the same level. Clinical psychologist Miriam Martin Canales He believes it is essential that both people understand that they do not belong to each other and that each must preserve their privacy and intimacy. In this way, they are taking a crucial step towards being happy together as a couple. “Loving from freedom means that we want to share our life with the other, but we don’t need to,” he says.
Psychologist Judith S. Wallerstein focused her research on couples. From her many studies and publications, she concluded that successful marriages have accomplished the following psychological tasks:
- To separate emotionally from one's family of origin, not to the point of distancing oneself, but to have created one's own identity, different from that of one's parents and siblings.
- Developing a bond based on shared intimacy and identity, while simultaneously establishing boundaries to protect the autonomy of each member of the couple.
- Establish a fulfilling and pleasurable sexual relationship, and protect it from the intrusions of work or family obligations.
- In the case of couples with children, assuming the new role of parenthood and continuing to protect the privacy of the romantic relationship.
- Facing and mastering the inevitable crises throughout life.
- Maintaining the strength of the marital bond in the face of adversity. Marriage should be a safe haven where the couple is able to express their differences, anger and conflicts.
- Use humor and laughter to keep things in perspective, avoid boredom and isolation.
- Nurture the relationship and support each other, meeting each partner's dependency needs, offering ongoing encouragement and support.
- Keeping alive the first romantic images of when they fell in love, while facing reality as it is, and the changes caused by time.
Finally, a transversal element that helps build a healthy relationship is trust. The health psychologist Encarni Muñoz Silva states that It is impossible to have a healthy relationship if there is no trust in the couple. It is essential to believe in the other person, accepting their way of being and supporting each other.
Having a healthy relationship is a scenario that influences the peace and happiness of each individual. Hence, the responsibility to contribute to making it a reality.
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